Jordan Love had reason for not sliding on big run play
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks to throw in the first quarter in the team’s first preseason game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Jordan Love is embracing a leadership role with the Green Bay Packers, even at the risk of getting himself hurt.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur relayed a story on Monday about how Love refuses a request to slide after the quarterback converted a 24-yard run play. According to LaFleur, Love said he did not want to slide because he thought the Packers needed some “juice.”
LaFleur said he told Jordan Love to slide next time on his 24-yard run.
Love "fired back" (LaFleur's phrase) that he thought the team needed some juice.
MLF said he wants to see the fire from his QB. Galvanizes the whole team.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) September 18, 2023
Love had plenty of room to slide or get out of bounds on the 24-yard run, but seemed set on trying to get more yardage and risked taking a hit on the play.
Packers fans have to Love what they see here ❤️ @jordan3love
📺: #GBvsATL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/ZZlxdq8ss9— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
Love’s mobility is a risk, and most coaches do not want their quarterback taking any more hits than necessary. Ultimately, however, there is nothing the Packers can do if Love is determined to play like that. LaFleur had good reason to like it in this case, but one rookie quarterback is certainly serving as a cautionary tale when it comes to this sort of thing.