By Tori Wittenbrock
Sports Reporter
ASHWAUBENON – On Saturday, Aug. 19, the Green Bay Packers wrapped up their final 2023 preseason game with a 19-15 win going into the season, and quarterback Jordan Love said that he is optimistic, but is just taking it day by day as they head into regular season games.
“I feel good,” said Love after their win against the Seattle Seahawks. “There were a couple plays I think I left out there, throwing the ball. There are a couple of throws I wish I had back, but other than that, I think we made some good plays out there.”
Love admitted that he knows not everything goes as planned, but said he is excited about the possibility of improvement from not only himself, but the entire team.
“You want every ball to be perfect, but things happen and it’s not always perfect. It’s just one of those things you’ve got to keep working at in practice and different games across the season.”
Preseason games
Placing emphasis on the importance of trusting his teammates, Love said that he is thankful his offensive line has done the work to prepare for the rest of the season.
“I think they [offensive line] did a great job the whole preseason. I don’t even think I got hit in the pocket at all — I could be wrong, but I think they did a great job keeping me clean. Also, the run game was really clean. There was a lot opening up, and I’m proud of the o-line. They battled and they did a really good job.”
Having a good mindset and being prepared to handle himself mentally each time he takes the field is a necessary part of being able to perform, according to Love.
“For me, it’s just about going out there and wanting to feel comfortable. Playing the same way I practice is a big thing for me, not having it feel any different out there or having any nerves or anything like that,” said Love about how he has used the preseason to prepare for the upcoming 2023 season games.
After wrapping up preseason, Love said that he is looking forward to seeing the work his team has put in come together in the next few games.
“I think, through practice, we have our whole offense being able to rep it against the Bengals, the Patriots, and we are getting different looks. Once we get our game plan going into season we’re going to flourish in the season.”
Going forward
The future of the Packers’ season looks promising, but Love said that there is really no way to tell how the team will do based on the preseason and that it is really only a test that can be proven through their performance over time.
“I think that’s going to be the test of the season. Right now, going into it, I’m confident in the offense, but I think being consistent and hitting all of our big plays is important.”
Love said that although he knows there is still a lot of work to be done and progress to be made, the team has a few key points they intend to focus on in future games, and he trusts his team to follow through.
“I think just positive gains and moving the ball forward is the biggest thing. We have explosive players that are out there, it’s just a matter of hitting them,” said Love. “It’s just a matter of being consistent with it. I think we’ve got a number of playmakers on the team, it’s just a matter of getting them the ball and letting them do what they do.”
However, Love said his biggest focus at the moment has been not stressing too much about the future of the season or mistakes that have been made, but taking care of business in the present.
“I don’t think anything has caught me by surprise. My main thing is just focus on it day by day. Take it one day at a time. Don’t look too far ahead. Don’t look too far in the past. Take it day by day and keep growing,” said Love.
As the team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 10, Love said that the team needs to nail down one key point before they will be able to find success…
“Consistency. Being consistent, for me and for the offense as a whole,” said Love. “It just comes down to finding consistency every day at practice.”