The Green Bay Packers had a few training camp battles ensue the last few weeks. One competition that people were keeping a close eye on was at quarterback. Jordan Love is locked in as the starter, but the battle for the backup job has been going on for weeks.
Rookie fifth-round pick Sean Clifford started out the competition against 2019 seventh-round pick Danny Etling. They were on the roster throughout the spring and into the summer when training camp began. USFL MVP Alex McGough was added to the mix, as he quickly beat out Etling.
Throughout the process, people have questioned whether or not the Packers would add a veteran to the mix. Love has 83 career pass attempts, while none of the other quarterbacks that Green Bay has had in the camp have even attempted one regular season pass.
It is certainly a risky approach, but one that the Packers seem comfortable with. Because, based on how snaps have been distributed, this competition looks to be over. All signs are pointing to Clifford being the No. 2 quarterback behind Love.
There are risks in having such an inexperienced duo as leaders of the offense, but the Packers have liked what they have seen. Head coach Matt LaFleur recently heaped some praise on Clifford, who made the most of his chance and earned the backup job.
“I just think he’s got great poise,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “You can tell that the moment’s not too big for him, and it’s about executing. It’s always more than just him. It takes all 11 to get it done, but I think that he’s had really good command, and he’s been in control out there, so yeah, he’s put together two pretty good games.”
Earlier in the offseason, there were major concerns about how the Packers would look should Love be forced to miss time. Not much confidence was had in Clifford, but, some of those concerns have disappeared. The Penn State product has carried himself well in training camp and preseason games.
The No. 1 job for a backup quarterback is to keep the offense on schedule and put them in a position to win. While preseason games are a different animal from regular season ones, Clifford has played well with his opportunities.
