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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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In a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, No. 3 pick Jeremiyah Love had a chance to show a glimpse of what Arizona Cardinals fans should see a lot more of in his NFL career.
The former Notre Dame running back and Heisman contender was nearly the team's leading rusher in their 27-14 win. He finished with 58 yards on 11 carries, just one yard shy of teammate Corey Kiner's 59-yard total.
While there were no touchdowns from Love in his debut, he admitted he started to become more comfortable the more time he spent out on the field in Thursday night's game.
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"I would say today, that's kind of what it was. My first carry, I was trying to feel it out, trying to see how guys tackle or trying to see how guys move, and as the game just kept going, I was getting a lot more comfortable, like I was a little tense at first, but then I was you know starting to play a bit more free," Love told reporters.
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"I think the next time I step on the field, I'm gonna be able to play like my usual self, like I'll play as free as I want because I know what to expect," he said, which could be a warning for opponents.
It became obvious as Love got a better feel for the game, making explosive plays, showing his speed, and causing defenders to miss tackles. That included a second-quarter play as Love hopped over a defender for extra yards on a huge rush.
It's definitely the sort of playmaking Cardinals fans want to see, as he may not have scored any TDs but aided them on drives with first-down rushing plays. Another drive saw Love make a nifty spin move to advance past a Raiders defender.
Many wondered where the Cardinals might go with the third overall pick in this past April's NFL Draft. However, Love's early highlights and stats show that they probably made a wise future investment in their offense, ahead of potentially finding a new franchise QB next draft.
The Arizona Cardinals will next host the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Aug. 22, before wrapping up their preseason slate with a road game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday, Aug. 28.
Love will likely make his regular-season debut on Sunday, Sept. 13 as the Cardinals visit the Los Angeles Chargers.
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