Packers' Love had reason for not sliding on big play

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Packers QB Jordan Love had reason for not sliding on big run play

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 9/18/23

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.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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