Jordan Love, Mac Jones share similar thoughts on replacing legendary QBs
The Packers and Patriots are practicing together this week. Maybe Mac Jones and Jordan Love should get together and compare notes about replacing legendary quarterbacks.
Jones, who the Patriots selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, was a year removed from Tom Brady when the former Alabama star became the starter. Meanwhile, Love, the Packers’ first-round pick in 2020, spent three seasons backing up Aaron Rodgers. Now that Rodgers has moved on to the New York Jets, Love will be in control at Lambeau Field.
“Yeah, I think Tom Brady’s the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL,” Jones told reporters after the Patriots and Packers finished their first joint practice.
“So, to follow up on him, it’s just trying to chase the standard that he set, every day,” Jones added. “Honestly, we’re definitely two different players. And that’s the only advice I’d have (for Love). Just continue to grow and be yourself, right? That’s all you can do, is put your best foot forward and compete. But yeah, it’s definitely big shoes to fill.”
Mac Jones’ rookie season can inspire Jordan Love
Maybe Jordan Love can duplicate what Mac Jones did in 2021. After all, Jones earned a spot in the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Patriots rookie QB to make the all-star team. He also finished second to former LSU star Ja’Marr Chase for NFL Rookie of the Year.
But his second season wasn’t as celebratory. He sprained an ankle and his stats went down. In the off-season, Bill Belichick suggested the starting job was wide open. However, Jones looks to be QB1 and not in competition with Bailey Zappe. Reports out of training camp indicate Jones is adapting well to a new offense installed by new coordinator Bill O’Brien.
Meanwhile, Love appears to have the blessing of Rodgers, who called his successor the day before training camp started to wish him well.
Reporters asked Jordan Love the same question that Mac Jones answered. The Packer gave a similar response. Love has to uphold a tradition established by the likes of Bart Star, Brett Favre and then Rodgers.
“I mean, I think like (Jones) said, the standards have been set from the quarterbacks that have been here before us,” Love told reporters. “Obviously, we’ve had some really great quarterbacks here. The standard is kind of set and you’re trying to continue to raise your game until you get to that bar and continue to go past it once you get there.”
He then repeated some words of advice he heard from Rodgers.
“I think the standards are there, and you just try to be yourself, play your game. But that’s kind of the goals you’re trying to achieve. With standards, I don’t think it means you have to try and play like somebody else. It’s just kind of what’s been done here, what’s happened in the past. And you can see something that’s been done at a really high level and that’s where you want to take your game to.”