Jordan Love to Lead Packers Against Undefeated Vikings in Divisional Showdown
ICARO Media Group
**Jordan Love Set to Start Against Undefeated Vikings Amid Reshuffled Packers Lineup**
Jordan Love is expected to step in as the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers this Sunday as they face off against the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings. Love, who had been sidelined since the season opener due to a sprained left medial collateral ligament, will lead the Packers in their first NFC North game of the season, according to inside sources.
The Vikings, riding high with victories over Houston and San Francisco, are currently second in the league in points allowed per game and hold the top spot in sacks. This presents a formidable challenge for Love and an offense that has relied heavily on the ground game with backup Malik Willis at the helm. In Love's absence, Willis led the Packers to two successive wins but attempted only 34 passes across both games, a stark contrast to Love's 34 passes in the season opener against the Eagles.
Adding to the complexity of the Packers' strategy, head coach Matt LaFleur had customized the offensive plays to suit Willis' running strength, resulting in Green Bay leading the league in rushing attempts per game. The strategy primarily involved read-option plays that leveraged Willis' mobility. However, with Love back in the lineup, the offensive scheme is expected to take a different form.
In their previous encounter with the Vikings, Love showcased his ability to navigate their complex blitzes, emerging unscathed in a commanding 33-10 victory. It remains to be seen how his mobility will fare following the knee injury, which he sustained in a dramatic moment during the final minutes of the season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His knee took a significant hit as he completed a pass to running back Josh Jacobs, leaving him in visible pain.
The Packers' roster changes, which included the elevation of cornerbacks Robert Rochell and Kamal Hadden from the practice squad, might signal doubts about the availability of cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is battling thigh and groin injuries. Notably, practice squad quarterback Sean Clifford was not elevated for Sunday's game, solidifying the expectation that Love will indeed start.
With Love back under center and facing a staunch Vikings defense, Sunday's game is set to be a crucial test for the Packers as they aim to maintain their winning momentum and secure their first divisional victory of the season.