Jeremiyah Love made his unofficial NFL debut for the Arizona Cardinals during a 27-14 preseason win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, according to team reports from azcardinals.com. Selected third overall, the running back earned the start and played through the entire first half, recording 11 carries for 58 yards and three receptions for 14 yards.
Jeremiyah Love Showcases Big-Play Ability in First Half
After hoping to suit up in the preseason opener a week prior, Love received his opportunity from head coach Mike LaFleur on Thursday night in Las Vegas. The rookie back wasted little time making an impact on the field.
According to game accounts from azcardinals.com, Love sparked the Arizona offense with a nine-yard run in the second quarter that set up a Simi Fehoko touchdown on a fade route. Later in the half, Love broke free for a 15-yard gain in which he hurdled a defender.
Cardinals Offensive Starters Capitalize on Limited Action
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett guided the Cardinals on an opening 10-play, 63-yard drive that featured two false starts but ended with a Marvin Harrison Jr. touchdown catch in the back of the end zone, as detailed by azcardinals.com reports. Brissett and backup quarterback Gardner Minshew combined to finish the first half a perfect 15-of-15 for 123 yards, three touchdowns, and a 141 passer rating.
With rookie quarterback Carson Beck sidelined due to a rib injury, Minshew took over under center midway through the third quarter. Minshew completed 14-of-16 passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns before Kedon Slovis finished out the contest.
Defensive Rotations and Standout Performances
Defensively, the Cardinals starting unit experienced some early turbulence. Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins engineered a 10-play, 68-yard scoring drive on the opening possession, completing 5-of-6 passes for 50 yards primarily on short out routes.
Later in the half, a 53-yard run by Mike Washington set up a touchdown for Raiders rookie Fernando Mendoza, who finished 10-of-16 for 97 yards and a score. Overall, Arizona allowed 103 rushing yards on the night.
Personnel adjustments highlighted the defensive rotation. Free agent acquisition Cody Simon earned the start at middle linebacker alongside Jack Gibbens, stepping in for Mack Wilson Sr. On the defensive line, Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson saw extended action into the second quarter, with Nolen registering a sack inside the Las Vegas red zone.
Roster Battles Intensify as Preseason Continues
While LaFleur has maintained that preseason matchups serve primarily as an extension of training camp, several depth players strengthened their bids for the 53-man roster. Wide receivers Simi Fehoko and Jalen Brooks both secured one-on-one battles for touchdowns during the victory.
The Cardinals have two remaining preseason games scheduled against the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. It remains unconfirmed whether head coach Mike LaFleur will play his starters in those upcoming contests.
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