Matt LaFleur reveals an unexpected Jordan Love detail that offers a fascinating glimpse into how he controls the Packers’ offense
The starting quarterback did not play against the Arizona Cardinals, but he called the offensive plays in the second half.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Arizona Cardinals 42-38 in their preseason finale on Friday night, but the most intriguing detail came after the game. Head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that quarterback Jordan Love called the plays in the second half, despite not taking a single snap. Love and all Green Bay starters rested against the Cardinals, yet LaFleur found a way to get his quarterback more work and integration within the offense.
LaFleur said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich called the plays in the first half before Love took over play-calling duties in the second. The quarterback had no advance notice. And the results were fairly impressive. After not scoring at all in the third quarter essentially with third-stringers, the Packers scored 18 fourth-quarter points to mount a comeback victory, including a game-winning touchdown drive late in the game.
“One little nugget I’ll give you guys: Steno called the first half, did an outstanding job, and then we had J-Love call the second half,” LaFleur shared. “I don’t know if you guys could tell that or not, but that was pretty cool just to hear his demeanor on the headset and how calm, cool, and collected he was throughout the entire game, especially in those critical moments.”
“It’s not a surprise to me because that’s what we see on the field too,” LaFleur added. “So all in all, just really happy. Whether it’s preseason or regular season, you always play to win the game, and it definitely feels good to beat your little brother.”
Jordan Love had no time to prepare
LaFleur explained how the idea came together, and it wasn’t planned at all before the game, which means Love didn’t have the week to prepare for this unique scenario.
“It was kind of just one of those things,” LaFleur explained. “I was messing with him a little bit before the game. I just went up to him, so it’s not like he had any time to prepare. I was like, ‘Hey, you want to call this— to call it in the second half?’ He’s like, ‘Sure.’ I was like, ‘You sure?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ And he did it, and he did an outstanding job.”
Love accepted the duties without hesitation and then guided the offense to a solid fourth quarter, showing his command of Green Bay’s offensive system.
Kyle McCord makes his case
Third-string quarterback Kyle McCord played the entire game and delivered one of the best individual preseason performances on the roster. McCord completed 22 of 35 passes for 236 yards, four touchdowns, and a 119.5 passer rating. Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor suited up but did not play, serving only as an emergency option.
LaFleur praised McCord’s performance as the young quarterback fights for a spot on the 53-man roster.
“He did a heck of a job, man,” LaFleur said. “He was just so poised, and his ability to operate and function was really impressive. I think he definitely has the demeanor, no doubt about it. He’s in total control out there, and he’s willing to stand in the pocket and deliver in the face of pressure. Yeah, I thought he did an outstanding job.”
The Packers now face critical decisions. General manager Brian Gutekunst must trim the roster from 90 to 53 players by Sunday afternoon, and McCord’s strong showing gives the front office something to think about when finalizing those cuts.
Green Bay’s regular season opener is set for Sept. 13 at the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. And as the Packers prepare for that matchup, Love’s willingness and ability to call plays from the sideline offers another layer of confidence in his development.
