Packers Jordan Love wrapped up the preseason just as he wanted, as he was prepared to take on the challenge of handling the responsibilities of a four-time MVP. Love delivered a touchdown pass to Kristian Watsan in his third and final series of the day, leading the Green Bay Packers to a 19-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the last preseason game on Saturday.
This game represented Love’s last tune-up before he begins his first full season as the Packers’ starting quarterback, following the trade with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Love, selected by the Utah State in the 2020 draft, is starting his first regular season as a career quarterback.
Love expressed, “For me, it was all about stepping onto the field and finding that sense of ease.” “Playing the way I do in practice, it’s a big thing for me. There’s no difference, no nerves, or anything like that. That was the biggest thing for me. And I did it.”
Love completed 9 out of 15 passes for 63 yards and led a 21-yard, three-carry touchdown drive against Seattle’s defense, most of which were backups. With three touchdowns, he covered 193 yards in 33 plays, arriving at 21 runs out of 33 in the Packers’ 2-1 preseason start without any hindrance.
“I don’t think anything surprised me,” Love mentioned. “My main focus is just taking it day by day, just focusing on one day at a time. Don’t look too far ahead. Don’t look in the past. Just take it day by day and keep growing.”
Love’s Touchdown Connection with Watson Highlights Packers’ Drive, Hopes High for Love’s Impact like Geno Smith’s Seattle Stint
Love’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Watson was part of an 80-yard drive in a 15-play series limited and came after a deep pass to Watson was pulled open in the series. The Packers kicked a field goal, and Love’s two other drives resulted in three turnovers.
The Packers are hopeful that Love can have the same impact as Geno Smith did for Seattle last season when he took the Seahawks to a surprising playoff berth after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks (2-1) provided rest for Wilson and most of their starting players on Saturday, giving backup quarterback Drew Lock the opportunity to lead Seattle’s offense for most of the game.
Lock, who had been a starter for the Denver Broncos from 2019 to 2021, started 21 times but didn’t appear in any games last season. He completed 16 out of 25 passes for 150 yards with a touchdown pass on Saturday.
“As a quarterback, the person that I am, I have complete confidence in it,” Lock stated. “The way that we played and drove in this whole preseason, I’m excited about it. The way that they went forward, I’m excited about it. I’m feeling confident this season that if something goes wrong, I’ll be ready to roll.”
Lock connected for an exciting 18-yard touchdown throw to Jake Bobo, a talented undrafted free agent from USL. This play might just earn him a place among the chosen 53 players on Seattle’s roster.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said, “He’s done everything he’s been given a chance to do.” “He’s been a good blocker. He’s played with tremendous effort. He’s quite clever.
He’s taken on the major tasks.
He’s paid attention to the finer details.
Everything we’ve requested of him, he’s accomplished.
Lock also orchestrated an impressive 10-play, 89-yard drive, culminating in Sarodorick Thompson’s 1-yard touchdown run, which handed the Seahawks the lead with just 6 minutes and 38 seconds left in the game.
Green Bay further extended their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Nate MacRae with 1:56 left. After completing a 52-yard pass from Alex McGough to Jadakiss Bonds, the drive ended with MacRae’s fourth game touchdown.
With 13 seconds left, Benny Sapp sealed the victory for the Packers by intercepting a pass intended for Holton Ahlers in the end zone.
MacRae was the third quarterback for the Packers in the game. Sam Cliford, the fifth-round pick from Penn State, went 8 out of 12 for 46 yards. Packers’ rookie kicker Anders Carlson kicked two field goals – a 43-yarder in the first quarter and a 57-yarder in the final minutes of the first half – and made an extra-point attempt.
Carson replaced franchise career scoring leader Mason Crosby in the sixth quarter, ending Crosby’s tenure with the Packers and letting Carlson try out from Auburn.
Injuries:
Seahawks LB Devin Bush suffered an injury. Seahawks S Jauan Blount and LB Derik Holl both suffered shoulder injuries. … Packers CB Romeo Dubs Hamstring didn’t play due to injury. Packers LB De’Vondre Campbell exited the field due to an ankle injury.
Next Up:
Seahawks: Kick off the regular season by hosting the Los Angeles Rams on September 10th.
Packers: Open the regular season in Chicago on September 10th.