ENGLEWOOD, Colorado – If this weren’t practice, if Jordan Love wasn’t in an unmistakably red jersey, there would be no need to dissect who did or didn’t knock the Green Bay Packers quarterback as he tried to throw the football Friday afternoon in a joint practice with the Denver Broncos.
Because that’s how the game works. Want to win in the NFL? Hit the quarterback. The Broncos served the latest reminder on the front field of their football complex.
Defensive end Nik Bonitto turned the corner off the edge and appeared to swipe at Love’s right arm as he threw, breaking the No. 1 rule of any football practice: never touch the quarterback. Later, perhaps trying to diffuse tensions entering Sunday’s preseason game, Love said he thought it was “friendly fire” from right tackle Zach Tom.
“I was hit when I threw,” Love said. “But I think it was from Zach Tom. I got hit from my own guy. I’ve got to see it on film. I’m not sure.”
Matt LaFleur, standing behind the play, seemed pretty sure. After Bonitto celebrated, he walked past the Packers coach. LaFleur appeared to say something, getting a reaction from Bonitto. The Packers didn’t appreciate that, and suddenly the most significant fracas of the practice ensued on the middle of the field, players leaving both sidelines to defend their honor.
