The number of statistics that are used in a season to rank quarterbacks could fill an encyclopedia of spreadsheets. While different quarterbacks will jump to the top of different charts, trends emerge and the top dogs are identified. Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is one of these players that dances across the top of various statistics. Love is playing extremely well for the Packers, especially when they need him the most.
Statistics
One of the broadest statistics for evaluating both players individually and teams collectively is EPA. EPA stands for expected points added; it measures the increase or decrease in probability of scoring on any given play. The current leader of EPA per play at the quarterback position with at least 100 snaps is Jordan Love, according to Sumer Sports.
A few other key statistics Love stands out in are yards per attempt and yards per completion. In both statistics, Love ranks 2nd among active quarterbacks. Only Sam Darnold is attempting and completing deep passes more effectively than Love.
Despite a reputation for throwing interceptions, Love has only thrown 2 picks this season. This is the same number of interceptions thrown by Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, and Jared Goff.
Finally, Jordan Love ranks in the top 10 for all of the following statistics: completion percentage, successful play rate, passer rating, and quarterback rating. The numbers agree that Love is in the top echelon of quarterbacks this season.
3rd down
Near the end of the Bengals game, the Green Bay Packers had the ball with a 6 point advantage over their opponent. With just over 2 minutes to play, Jordan Love slid out of the pocket and hit Matthew Golden for a 35 yard completion on 3rd and 9. If you have been watching Love closely this season, an explosive play on 3rd down is not surprising.
Love is one of the top quarterbacks on third down in the league so far this year. He ranks second best in yards per attempt on 3rd down, the same spot as yards per attempt on all downs. He is converting on 50% of third downs, far above the league average of 39.9% according to Sumer Sports.
Love has thrown for 395 yards (31% of his total yards) and 3 touchdowns on 3rd down. Unfortunately, both of his interceptions were also thrown on 3rd down attempts.
Finally, his improvement in health over last year can be seen in his efficacy when he scrambles. So far this year, he is averaging 7.4 yards per scramble which earns a conversion rate of 40%, according to Sumer Sports.
Although Packers fans may be confused or frustrated by the performance of several players or units, quarterback should not be one. On field and on the stat sheet, Jordan Love is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
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