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The Packers’ Past Meets Their Present in Pittsburgh

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Sep 25, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (12) and Jordan Love (10) run out onto the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Jordan Love was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2020, right before Aaron Rodgers led the team to a 13-4 record and a second consecutive MVP.

The move caught many fans and analysts off guard, but it signaled the beginning of a new era and the eventual passing of the torch from Rodgers to Love.

While some were skeptical, others were optimistic about the Packers’ decision to select Love with the 26th overall pick. The choice ultimately allowed Love to spend several seasons learning from one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history in Rodgers.

After three years on the bench, Love finally got his opportunity. When Rodgers departed for the New York Jets in 2023, the stage was set for Love to take over as the Packers’ starting quarterback. Before that, he had made only one career start, filling in for Rodgers when he was unable to suit up.

Love benefited greatly from his time under Rodgers and has since shown that he can thrive while leading the Packers’ offense with poise and confidence.

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Rodgers, meanwhile, now finds himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers after joining them in free agency this past year. A reported fallout with the Jets led to his departure and a fresh start in Pittsburgh.

Rodgers told the media that he is excited about the opportunity to play against his former team and won’t be heading into the matchup with the mindset of it being a “revenge game.”

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Jordan Love and the Packers will pack their bags and head to Pittsburgh for a Sunday night primetime matchup against a very familiar face known around Titletown. The only team Rodgers has yet to beat in his legendary career is his former team — the Green Bay Packers.

Love and Rodgers Season Comparison 

Both Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers have gotten off to impressive starts in their 2025 campaigns.

Love currently holds a PFF grade of 78.6. That ranks ninth among all NFL quarterbacks. He also leads the league in adjusted EPA per play. In addition, he sits within the top five in completion percentage over expectation — a strong indicator of his efficiency and decision-making early in the season.

Love has shown he thrives under the bright lights. In his most recent Sunday night matchup, Love threw for 337 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in Green Bay’s Week 5 tie against Dallas.

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On the other side of the ball, Rodgers continues to prove his consistency and Hall of Fame skill. He currently ranks fourth in passing touchdowns and 11th in adjusted EPA per play. He also sits inside the top ten for completion percentage over expectation.

Rodgers has been in countless primetime battles throughout his career. In his most recent matchup on Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, Rodgers totaled 249 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air.

Final Notes

This primetime matchup for Jordan Love is an opportunity to continue to prove he’s the right man to lead Green Bay into the future. His strong start to the 2025 season, highlighted by top-tier stats and clutch performances, shows his growth and confidence.

For Rodgers, it’s another chapter in his storied career, facing the team where it all began. This highly anticipated matchup represents a moment that connects Green Bay’s past and present in one primetime showdown.



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Written by
Haydn Susek

As a Sports Marketing student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I have developed a versatile skill set across media, design, and sales. My role as a contributor for The Lead, covering the Green Bay Packers and college basketball, has provided practical industry knowledge and a strong foundation in digital strategy. I am highly motivated to continue building on this experience.

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