Packers Under Fire as Protection for QB Jordan Love Wanes Amid Roughing Controversies
In the annals of Green Bay Packers history, the emotional highs and lows of on-field confrontations have often defined the team’s identity. Rewind to September 2015, when the Packers faced the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch that still haunts fans. With the game tightly contested in the fourth quarter, a scuffle erupted after Seattle linebacker K.J. Wright committed a personal foul against tight end Richard Rodgers, leading to his ejection.
A Legacy of Protecting Teammates
In that moment, Packers guard T.J. Lang jumped into the fray, receiving a 15-yard penalty and later an $8,681 fine from the NFL. However, Lang’s reaction was not one of regret. “They said I unnecessarily dove into the pile,” he remarked defiantly. “Well, I think it was pretty necessary.” Head coach Mike McCarthy backed Lang, emphasizing that the action aligned with the team’s ethos of protecting one another. “T.J. Lang did exactly what he was coached to do. We teach our guys to ‘viper up’ and shield their teammates.”
Fast forward six years, and McCarthy encountered a similar situation while coaching the Dallas Cowboys. After Dak Prescott was hit late by Washington’s William Bradley-King, offensive lineman La’el Collins defended his quarterback, resulting in his ejection for throwing a punch. McCarthy noted that while he didn’t condone the punch, Collins was acting on instinct to defend Prescott.
Camaraderie Tested in 2023
Fast forward to the present, and the Packers’ commitment to protecting quarterback Jordan Love appears to be wavering. During a preseason matchup against the New England Patriots, Love took a hit while sliding, prompting offensive linemen Zach Tom and Jon Runyan Jr. to step in. Love expressed gratitude, stating, “For me to feel that those guys have my back, it’s awesome. I appreciate those guys stepping in and having my back right there.”
However, this sense of camaraderie seems to have evaporated in recent weeks. In a game against the Denver Broncos, Love was unceremoniously shoved into the turf by safety Talanoa Hufanga, who received a fine for the hit. Yet, there was no retaliation from the Packers’ offensive line—a stark departure from the traditional response expected when a quarterback is targeted after the whistle.
Concerns Mount Over Defensive Hits
The situation worsened just days later against the Chicago Bears when Love was struck hard again, this time by defensive lineman Austin Booker, who lowered his helmet into Love’s facemask. Although the play drew a personal foul penalty, the offensive line remained passive as Love lay on the field. This lack of response from the team raises questions about the current culture surrounding player protection.
Debates swirl regarding whether such hits are considered dirty by contemporary standards, particularly with the NFL’s focus on quarterback safety. Despite the flag thrown for the foul, the absence of immediate support from Love’s teammates was glaring. After the game, offensive lineman Aaron Banks voiced his frustration, highlighting the irony of penalties in the league. “I just don’t know how guys get kicked out for taunting, but if you hit a quarterback late in the head… that should get the same treatment,” he said. “I think that has to be re-evaluated.”
Coaching Perspectives on Discipline
Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the need for the team to clean up personal foul penalties, following a rough outing against the Broncos where three such penalties were assessed. “The unsportsmanlike really bothered me,” LaFleur admitted. “Football is a game of emotion, but you can’t allow the emotion of the game to put you in a spot where you cost the team.”
While LaFleur’s emphasis on composure is valid, a disconnect emerges when it comes to defending teammates. The spirit of Lang’s old-school mentality, where aggression was sometimes necessary to protect a fellow player, seems to be fading. The balance between maintaining discipline and fostering a protective culture around a quarterback like Love is delicate, yet essential.
As the Packers navigate this critical juncture, the question remains: Will they reclaim the fierce protection that has historically defined their identity, or will they continue to let it slip away? The players on the field must take it personally to ensure their quarterback’s safety, not just for the sake of the game, but for the integrity of their brotherhood.
