Jordan Love has the challenge of leading a Green Bay Packers offense without his top wide receiver, running back, and left tackle. To make things worse, he is playing on the road in a loud environment against a talented Atlanta Falcons defense.
With nothing open on third down, Love decided to do it himself, rushing for 24 yards and a first down. And he was fired up after the play.
It was a crucial moment. Love extended the drive, and moments later, the Packers found the end zone with rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed.
Love has stepped up in the first half of this game, leaning on his young pass catchers and, when he needs to, extending plays himself. And he let the Falcons defense know about it.
Packers: Jordan Love fired up after rushing for first down vs. Falcons (Video)
The first thing to note here is Love's decision-making and athleticism. He understands there is nobody open, and with pressure quickly coming, he steps up and takes off on his own. Love then shows his athleticism to beat the first defender and turn it into a significant gain.
The run is fantastic, but keep a close eye on Love's reaction immediately after. He had some words for the Falcons defender.
Packers fans have to Love what they see here ❤️ @jordan3love
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
📺: #GBvsATL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/ZZlxdq8ss9
And why not? Love is fired up. He put his team on his back on that play. With nobody open, he made a great play on his own. His rushing ability is underrated.
Defense opens in front of him, and Jordan Love takes off for 24 yards on third-and-11. Looked just like a young you-know-who there. Got up and let the Falcons defense know it.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 17, 2023
Love Jordan talking shit after that run.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) September 17, 2023
Jordan Love scrambles for 24 yards on 3rd & 10.
— Marques Eversoll (@MarquesEversoll) September 17, 2023
More importantly, DID HE JUST TALK SHIT?!
The Packers have a tough challenge in this game. With no Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, and David Bakhtiari, they have lost three of their most important offensive players. It's great to see Love stepping up and making a play, and showing what it meant after.
It hasn't been easy going for Green Bay's offense, but Love has remained calm, and led an impressive touchdown drive to take the lead in the second quarter.