Packers: Matt LaFleur Has Huge Decision to Make on Jordan Love

The Green Bay Packers face an identity crisis this season.

The Packers faced tough questions after losing five games in a row to end the season, including an epic collapse to the Chicago Bears in the Wild-Card Round.

After a long negotiation process, Green Bay decided to extend the contracts of head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst.

The Packers’ decision to trade for Micah Parsons had consequences for this offseason. The team parted ways with several starters in the trenches on both sides of the ball and receivers Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs.

With Josh Jacobs in the backfield, the Packers offense has been built around running the football while counting on Jordan Love to make passes when needed.

On Monday, ESPN released their roster rankings for each NFL team this offseason. They ranked Green Bay at No. 10, and Seth Walder suggested the "X factor" for the team this year will be up to how LaFleur chooses to use Love. 

Walder argues the Packers will have a better opportunity to win games if Love lets it fly, noting the run-to-pass ratio has been a problem in the past.

"Despite designing one of the league's most efficient passing games, coach Matt LaFleur's weakness has been leaning too heavily on running the ball," Walder wrote. "In 2025, the Packers recorded 0.21 EPA per play on designed pass plays (second best) and minus-0.02 EPA per designed run (16th).” 

"Despite that huge gap in efficiency, the Packers ranked 26th in pass rate over expected, per Next Gen Stats. If Green Bay puts the ball in quarterback Jordan Love's hands more often, it should win more games."

It's unclear if LaFleur has been scared to put the ball in Love's hands or if he fails to trust the offensive line to protect his quarterback. Pass protection has been a problem in the past, and after losing Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins, it could continue to be an issue this season.

However, the Packers need to let Love have more command of the offense. Had Love been able to stay in rhythm against Chicago, the Green Bay likely would have won the Wild-Card Round.