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Matt LaFleur expects Jordan Love will see more playing time in preseason after 'solid' performance

profilephotocropby:Suzanne Halliburton•08/12/23•

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jordan love
Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Love made a brief appearance in the Packers exhibition win over the Bengals. And coach Matt LaFleur plans for his new starting quarterback to see even more live snaps this month.

LaFleur said Love played a “solid” game during his appearance at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. About the only negative was an interception.

“Obviously, he would love to have the one throw back to (tight end Luke) Musgrave over the middle in that third down,” the Packers coach said. “But, I think, there’s a lot to learn from and a lot of good came out of it. I thought, just the poise he showed, the command he showed. I thought we were getting in and out of the huddle quickly. (And) I thought it was a really good first exposure for him for this season.” 

The Packers won the game, 36-19. But it’s difficult to put much stock in the score. Coaches are using a variety of players and they’re looking more at situations that game outcomes. The Bengals were without star quarterback Joe Burrow, who strained his calf during the opening week of training camp.

But with Jordan Love, everything in his development is important. Green Bay selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he served as Aaron Rodgers‘ backup for the past three seasons. When Rodgers signed with the Jets, he opened the door for Love.

Love completed seven of his 10 passes for 46 yards. And his final completion of the evening was a touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs. It’s worth checking out again.

One Bengal said Jordan Love sounds like Aaron Rodgers

The Bengals and Packers did joint workouts this week leading up to Friday’s game. And one Bengals player said Jordan Love sounded like Rodgers when he was barking the play at the line.

“When he comes to the line making checks, he’s similar,” said Cincy linebacker Germaine Pratt. “You being with a Hall of Fame quarterback, why not steal some of his game? I would do that. If there’s a Hall of Famer, I’m going to steal some of his game and apply it to mine.”

Jordan Love told reporters he regretted one pass. It was a deep incompletion to Christian Watson.

“That was the one I wish I could get back, that throw over the middle to Luke,” Love said. “Man, just missed him. That’s an easy throw, routine throw. Just couldn’t come up with it. But other than that, I thought we played well. I thought all the pass game was in stride. Obviously, we had the one down the sideline to Christian where the safety made a really good play on it.”