The Green Bay Packers lost their preseason opener against the New York Jets by a score of 30-10. However, as is the case with all preseason games, there were some bright spots for players all across the roster outside of the context of the final score. Although the starters played extremely limited action, quarterback Jordan Love and rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden showed that they are building confidence together.
Green Bay Packers Rookie Matthew Golden Shows Jordan Love His Ability in a Live Game
Quarterback Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers first-team offense did not do much in their two possessions against the New York Jets on Saturday night. However, there were some positive takeaways, specifically with Love and rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden.
Although Golden had only one reception for 7 yards, it came on a 3rd & 7 play on the starting unit’s second and final possession of the game. Lined up on the left side as the only wideout, Golden created separation against Jets corner Brandon Stephens on a three-step slant route, giving Love a window to give him the ball and move the chains.
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Additionally, Golden drew a penalty against Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, a player that many regard as one of the tops at his position. The play came on another 3rd & 7 and once again involved Golden running a quick slant as the single receiver to a side. The rookie once again won on the route, forcing Gardner to close down too aggressively and hit Golden before the ball arrived.
Jordan Love Reflects on Chemistry and Confidence With Matthew Golden
Love spoke on Golden’s performance in the postgame press conference, saying that while their relationship in training camp has been continuing to develop, having some moments together on the field in a live game really means a lot.
“I think for anybody, especially a rookie, practice is one thing but then obviously you gotta go out and do it in a game. I’ve seen a lot of great things from him in practice, and to go out there and execute a slant route like that, and then obviously draw the PI, it’s two good reps for him right there.”
Earlier, Love has praised Golden for his raw talent and said that once he is fully immersed in the offense and the playbook, that he will become a “stud.” Their preseason debut together is a big step in that direction.
“But there’s so much more that we want to build on, keep building this thing, keep figuring each other out and understand the timing and different things like that, but like I said, you always wanna see the practice and things like that translate to the game, and so I got a lot of confidence in him right now.”
Love admittedly did not make a conscious effort to throw Golden the ball, but he did nonetheless give the rookie his chances in limited action.
It will be particularly important for the two to develop their chemistry together as soon as possible given negative news on Jayden Reed’s injury. The Packers’ leading receiver was seen in a walking boot during the game, an issue that head coach Matt LaFleur says is “concerning.” Golden may be rising up the pecking order simply due to availability, meaning he will be trusted to make some big plays for the team right away.
While Love’s preseason is likely done with, Golden will surely be getting some more reps ahead of the team’s season opener against the Detroit Lions on September 7th.
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