By Tori Wittenbrock
Associate Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers Quarterback Jordan Love said that everyone on the team has stepped into their role and come out to make plays after their 33-10 New Years Eve win against the Minnesota Vikings (7-9).
Love said that everyone on the team has aspirations of making the playoffs and wants nothing more than to see success on the field.
“There are a lot of factors going into it, but this whole team is just focused on ‘let’s get that win,’ and moving on, because we know exactly what is in front of us and we are trying to get into the playoffs.”
Despite having to face a series of obstacles throughout the season — such as injuries and being short handed — Love said that the team is strong this year and was able to prove their resilience.
“I don’t think any of those things were too much for us and we showed that tonight,” said Love.
Love said that the reason the Packers have been able to find success late in the season is due to their team chemistry and their shared motivation to win.
“I think everyone was out there executing. We were in a rhythm. I was trying to get the ball out of my hand quickly and get it to the playmakers and let those guys make some moves in space and that’s exactly what we were doing,” said Love.
Although the team performed well in all aspects of the game, Love said that credit was due to
“The run game was great tonight,” said Love. “I think everyone was just executing at a high level tonight.”
Love said that one of the most important aspects of their game was people on the team being able to step up and perform when they needed them to. According to Love, Wide Receiver Bo Melton filled his role exceptionally well on Sunday night.
“Yeah, it’s huge. I talk about it all the time, but it’s always a ‘next man up’ mentality. Bo’s been a guy who’s been working every week, even when he’s not been in the role, he’s working on the scout team, trying to find ways to get better. It’s not a surprise to anyone that he goes out there and he does what he does,” said Love.
Dealing with significant players being out for injuries this season — such as veteran Running Back Aaron Jones and Cornerback Jaire Alexander being out more games than they played — has left a lasting impact on the team as a whole.
However, Love said that he is pleased to see everyone on the team coming together to put in the work and perform.
“We had a lot of receivers who stepped up. Got a lot of guys who are injured, so like I said, it’s just that ‘next man up’ mentality and guys are stepping up and taking advantage of that mentality,” said Love.
Love said that another significant factor in the team’s success has been the fact that they are all putting in the work for each other and the ‘friendly competition’ dynamic within the team has been working well for them.
“I think we’ve got a lot of playmakers. We can spread the ball to anyone out there. I think that at any point anybody can get the ball and we’ve got really unselfish receiver, tight end, running back room. Everyone wants to see everyone else exceed, so I think that’s the awesome part about it,” said Love.