A former Pro Bowler on the Green Bay Packers believes the team is being disrespected now that Aaron Rodgers is no longer the quarterback.
For the first time in a long time, the Green Bay Packers won't have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Even after signing a contract extension one year ago, the Packers and Rodgers decided it would be best if they both moved on. After negotiations, the Packers agreed to trade Rodgers to the New York Jets. With that, the Packers have ushered in the Jordan Love era.
With Rodgers no longer in Green Bay, let's just say that the Packers haven't received much love in terms of high expectations heading into the 2023 season.
During an appearance on CBS Sports Radio's "The Zach Gelb Show," Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark knows that there are those across the NFL world that don't have high hopes for the team, and that everyone is picking the Detroit Lions or Minnesota Vikings will win the NFC North division. For Clark, that's fine by him.
Kenny Clark embracing 'disrespect' towards Packers
"One hundred percent, but that's cool," Clark said, h/t ProFootballTalk. "I like it that way. This has been one of the first offseasons where we ain't really been getting the credit, getting the love. Everybody says Aaron determines whether we win or lose, so we love it. We're going to embrace it. When it comes to Week One, when the season gets here, we'll see how everything stacks up. We're excited about it."
A team moving on from a quarterback who won two NFL MVP awards in the past three seasons certainly isn't an ideal situation to be in. It certainly won't have their fanbase or those across the league picturing them making a run to the Super Bowl, let alone the playoffs. But, this is a Packers team that is embracing its role as an underdog.
The team hinted that a change at quarterback was coming in 2020 when they traded up in the first round to select Love out of Utah State. This move was made even with Rodgers on the team. With Love on his rookie contract, it was a matter of when the keys to the offense will be handed his way.
Love did get one start during the 2021 season, filling in for Rodgers to face the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though it was an off day for the Chiefs, the Packers were unable to pick up the win.
Through 10 appearances in his first four years in the league, Love threw for 606 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 60.2 percent of his passes.
For those who are picking the Lions or Vikings to win the division, Clark wants them to keep counting out the Packers.