The Green Bay Packers opened their preseason with a disappointing result, falling 28-9 to the Pittsburgh Steelers despite playing several of their top players. Jordan Love, Jayden Reed and Christian Watson were among the starters who took the field, but the first-team offense played just one series before giving way to the backups. Green Bay managed only three field goals during the game, hardly the statement Packers fans were hoping to make.
They'll get another chance to see their stars in action Friday when the Packers travel to Denver to face the Broncos at Mile High. On Tuesday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Love and the rest of the team's starters will play again against Denver, giving the first-team offense another opportunity to find its rhythm before the regular season. More news: Bears Dealt Nasty Blow as Kyle Monangai’s Injury Timeline Looms Over Season More news: Falcons Get Michael Penix Jr Update as Tua Tagovailoa’s Debut Raises Questions The Packers have had just one losing season under LaFleur, finishing 8-9 in 2022, Aaron Rodgers' final season in Green Bay before the franchise handed the starting job to Love.
Since then, the Packers have made three consecutive playoff appearances, including a wild-card victory over the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, Love's first season as the full-time starter. Love broke out that year, completing 64.2% of his passes for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also added 247 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Last season was arguably Love's most efficient yet. He completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while posting a 101.2 passer rating. However, Green Bay finished 9-7-1 and was eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs by NFC North rival Chicago.
At 27 years old and under contract through the 2027 NFL season, Love remains firmly in the middle of Green Bay's long-term plans. But expectations are rising. The Packers haven't won the NFC North since 2021, and there is a growing sense that this roster is ready to make a deeper postseason run.
Getting there will require Love to stay healthy, operate efficiently, and provide more consistent high-level play when the stakes rise. Friday's game against Denver should offer a better indication of how LaFleur plans to prepare his starters for the regular season. Green Bay will play its final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, Aug. 28, before opening the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 13.
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