Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love Overruled Head Coach Matt LaFleur On Massively Successful First Play

Getty Image / Lauren Leigh Bacho

The Green Bay Packers came out on Thanksgiving Day and upset the Detroit Lions, 29-22, in a game they never trailed in and dominated for most of the afternoon. And, the tone was set on the first play from scrimmage, when struggling quarterback Jordan Love hit Christian Watson for a 53-yard gain.

But, they play almost never happened, as Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wanted to change it, only to be overruled by his quarterback.

That’s according to Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman, who covers the team for The Athletic.

“Matt LaFleur says he texted Jordan Love this morning saying he wanted to change the first play.Love responded saying he wanted to keep it. Hit Christian Watson for 53 to set the tone and the Packers never trailed,” Schneidman said on Twitter.

And, in case you missed it, here was that play.

I’m not convinced that Love even executed the play perfectly, as it seems like the ball maybe should have come out a tad earlier. But, I’m sure no one was mad about that long of a gain on the game’s first play. Green Bay would score on the drive, and never look back. They led by as much as 23-6, and cruised home to a 29-22 victory.

While Love may have underthrown that pass, it’s tough to argue that Sunday was his best game as a starter so far. The 2020 first-round pick has struggled in his first year as a starter, replacing the departed Aaron Rodgers. Love was 22/32 for 268 yards and three touchdowns, and added another 39 yards on the ground. That’s the guy the Packers wanted to see this year.

Somehow, Green Bay has clawed themselves back into playoff position, after a 1-5 stretch threatened to doom their season. Now at 5-6, they’re very much in the thick of things for the final playoff spot in the NFC, which is very much up for grabs.