yahoo
Through the first four weeks of the 2026 NFL season, Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love has yet to deliver the breakout performance that fans have been eagerly anticipating. In Sunday's 36-34 defeat to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Love managed just 63 rushing yards on 14 carries, leaving both supporters and the player himself searching for answers.
The former Notre Dame standout did not hide his disappointment when speaking to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss after the game. "I'm really frustrated with myself because I just want to be good," Love said. "I want to be 100 percent and I want to go out there and do what I need to do. Not saying I'm not 100 percent, but I'm not where I want to be. I'm not able to go out there and do spectacular plays every single time or stuff like that. So, just frustrated with myself, not with the coaches, but they're doing a great job of managing me."
Love also revealed that his health and usage might require careful management for the remainder of his rookie campaign. He has been dealing with an ankle issue since the preseason, but he emphasized that the challenge extends beyond that single injury. "It's not really just my ankle," he explained. "It's more of just the whole thing. It's been a long year for me. Body sometimes is down, body sometimes is tired. So it's just managing those things. Coaches know that this is probably going to be the longest year of my life. And just want to manage that workload. So, today, just obviously making sure to keep an eye on me, managing me, but I didn't go out there and hurt anything or anything like that. It's just they're doing what they need to do to keep me up so that I can finish the season."
Despite his struggles, Love still led the Cardinals in rushing attempts. Tyler Allgeier finished second on the team with only eight carries, but he was more efficient, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt compared to Love's 4.5. Love was selected third overall by Arizona in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the team is counting on him to be a key contributor.
At 1-3, the Cardinals are hoping to turn things around in Week 5 when they host the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. For Love, the focus remains on managing his body and workload as he navigates the challenges of his first professional season.
Key Analysis
Love's candid comments shed light on the physical and mental toll that a rookie NFL season can take, especially when injuries linger. While his statistics have yet to meet expectations, his willingness to acknowledge his struggles and the team's careful management of his health suggest that both player and organization are taking a long-term approach. The Cardinals will need Love to find his rhythm soon if they hope to climb back into contention in the NFC West.
Originally reported by yahoo.