Jordan Love concluded the preseason on a satisfactory note as he prepared to embrace the challenge of succeeding as a four-time MVP.
In his third and final series of the day, Love orchestrated a touchdown pass to Christian Watson, propelling the Green Bay Packers to a 19-15 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the teams’ ultimate preseason encounter on Saturday.
This game marked Love’s final rehearsal before commencing his inaugural full season as the Packers’ starting quarterback following Aaron Rodgers’ trade to the New York Jets. Love, a 2020 first-round selection from Utah State, had previously made just one start in his regular-season career.
“My objective was to step onto the field with confidence,” Love remarked. “It was vital for me to maintain the same level of play I exhibit during practice—eliminating any disparity. I wanted to remain composed out there, void of any anxiety or jitters. And I succeeded.”
Love completed 9 of 15 passes for 63 yards and contributed three rushes for 21 yards, all against a Seattle defense primarily comprised of reserves. Over the course of three preseason starts for the Packers (2-1), he posted 21 of 33 for 193 yards, along with three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
“I haven’t been taken by surprise in any way,” Love affirmed. “My main concentration continues to be on progressing incrementally, one step at a time, each day. The future is not my concern, and neither is dwelling on the past. It’s about steady progress every day.”
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Love’s 6-yard touchdown throw to Watson punctuated a 15-play, 80-yard drive. This score followed an earlier instance where Love had overshot a wide-open Watson on a deep pass. The Packers managed a field goal and two unsuccessful drives in Love’s other opportunities.
The Packers hold hopes that Love can replicate the impactful performance of Seattle’s Geno Smith from the previous season. Smith led the Seahawks to an unforeseen playoff berth after the franchise traded Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, to the Denver Broncos. In this game, the Seahawks (2-1) rested Smith and their primary starters on both offensive and defensive fronts, allowing backup quarterback Drew Lock to lead Seattle’s offense throughout most of the matchup.
Lock, who had 21 starts for the Denver Broncos between 2019 and 2021 but remained sidelined throughout the last season, threw 16 of 25 for 150 yards, including a touchdown pass in Saturday’s game.
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“I possess confidence in my abilities as a quarterback, and I’m enthused about the way the plays and drives transpired during this preseason,” Lock declared. “I approach the upcoming season with a sense of readiness, believing that if circumstances necessitate, I’ll be prepared to step up.”
Lock orchestrated an 18-yard touchdown pass to Jake Bobo, a rookie undrafted free agent from UCLA who showcased a noteworthy preseason performance, potentially securing a position on Seattle’s 53-man roster.
“He’s executed every task presented to him,” remarked Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. “He’s exhibited solid blocking skills, remarkable effort, and a keen intellect. He’s made significant plays along with routine ones, demonstrating his commitment to fulfilling our requirements.”
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Lock also spearheaded a 10-play, 89-yard drive, culminating in SaRodorick Thompson’s 1-yard touchdown run, which granted the Seahawks their first lead with 6:38 remaining in the game.
The Green Bay Packers surged ahead for the decisive victory, aided by Nate McCrary’s 1-yard touchdown run with just 1:56 on the clock. McCrary’s touchdown was facilitated by a 52-yard completion from Alex McGough to Jadakis Bonds.
Benny Sapp secured the victory for the Packers by intercepting Holton Ahlers’ pass in the end zone with a mere 13 seconds left.
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McGough, the third quarterback for the Packers in this game, performed a pivotal role. Meanwhile, a rookie fifth-round pick from Penn State, Sean Clifford, completed 8 of 12 passes for 46 yards.
Anders Carlson, a rookie kicker for the Packers, successfully executed two field goals: a 43-yarder during the first quarter and a remarkable 57-yarder in the final moments of the first half. However, his extra-point attempt was thwarted. The Packers selected Carlson from Auburn in the sixth round, positioning him to succeed Mason Crosby, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
INJURIES:
Seahawks LB Devin Bush sustained a concussion.
Safety Joey Blount and Outside Linebacker Derick Hall of the Seahawks sustained shoulder injuries.
Packers WR Romeo Doubs was sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Packers LB De’Vondre Campbell was absent due to an ankle injury.
