Cardinals’ Jeremiyah Love goes airborne, flexes intangibles vs. Raiders

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love’s first taste of NFL action didn’t disappoint.

After he was held out of the Hall of Fame game last week, Love was a focal point across the first half of the Cardinals’ 27-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Among the biggest surprises from Love’s snaps happened before he even took a carry, too.

Despite Tyler Allgeier getting most of the first first-team reps all training camp, it was Love getting the nod alongside the majority of the projected starting lineup.

Love’s first touches didn’t quite jump off the page, but he quickly settled in with a couple of big-time moves in the drives that followed.

It started with his spin cycle that helped pick up the first down deep in the Raiders’ territory.

Even with a defender entering the backfield before Love touched the rock, the rookie was able to bust it outside before breaking a tackle and juking out of another with a spin move that’s been on display throughout training camp.

Jeremiyah Love making a couple of guys miss 👀

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/0zWxy27wgW

— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2026

The very next play, Arizona found paydirt behind with a Gardner Minshew II 10-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Simi Fehoko.

Then came his impression of tight end Trey McBride just before halftime.

Looking to add another score before heading to the locker room, Love got the draw and was off.

He quickly hit the hole for a gain, but it was his hurdle over the Raiders defender that extended the play and instantly had everyone talking.

Come for the hurdle, stay for the solid blocking up field.

Jeremiyah Love hurdle alert! 🚨

Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1yanqBKZY1

— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2026

And much like the previous drive, it didn’t take long for Arizona to find the end zone for a 21-14 lead.

Love finished the first half with 58 yards on 11 carries.

He also caught three passes for 15 yards.

Allgeier, meanwhile, had four touches (all on the ground).

It’s preseason, but one hell of a start for the rookie.

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