Jordan Love exited the third quarter of last weeks win against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a groin injury he tweaked during the first drive of the game. Malik Willis came in, in relief for Love finishing the game, leading to a good question before Green Bay’s big Week 9 showdown against the Detroit Lions. Who will start at quarterback?
On Monday, tests showed that Love avoided any major injuries, or reaggravation of the knee that kept him out two weeks earlier in the season with only a strain. Love has yet to practice this week, but was asked during media interviews if there’s a possibility he plays this week. Love was quoted saying, “I think it’s realistic,” despite not practicing at all this week.
“Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game, like I said, things happen, if that’s the scenario, I know I’ll be fine. But definitely it’s not the ideal scenario for going into a big week.”
Head Coach Matt LaFleur was also asked on his thoughts on Love and his availability, LaFleur said he is confident in Love, and if Love is ready to go, he will play.
This brings an interesting strategy and gameplan for the Packers, presenting a double edge sword against Detroit whose been swinging their sword hard all season, coming off another 50+ point win against the Tennessee Titans. Do the Packers start a hobbled Jordan Love who has the ability to throw the ball downfield, while also being able to connect with his various pass catchers more consistently. Or do they start Malik Willis, who has steered the ship in all 3 appearances for the Packers this season, but brings a more balanced, run first, and conservative attack to the offense.
Regardless of who is at Quarterback this Sunday, the Packers will have a tough test in front of them with the Detroit defense who only enters the week with the 20th ranked total defense, but boasts a top 5 rushing defense which is Green Bays offensive strength. Love may be needed in this one as Detroit’s pass defense could be their Kryptonite ranking just 27th in the league.
First place in the NFC North will be on the line this week with Detroit traveling to Green Bay, who earlier in the season lost to a division rival Minnesota in a similar situation, Love entering the game at less than 100%, can the Packers hold on and slow down the red-hot Lions? Or will Detroit continue its dominance of both the NFC North and the NFL in general.
Photo Credit: The NFL, and Green Bay Packers.
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