Tag: Sean Clifford

Sean Clifford has more ups than downs in NFL preseason debut for Packers

Former Penn State QB Sean Clifford overcomes rookie mistakes for solid NFL preseason debut with Packers

Former Penn State quarterback [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] experienced his fair share of highs and lows in his first taste of the NFL preseason on Friday evening. Clifford led the Green Bay Packers on four scoring drives in his preseason debut but he was also intercepted twice in the game, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Tycen Anderson.

The Packers started their first preseason game with starting quarterback Jordan Love getting some time on the field. After completing seven of his 10 pass attempts for 46 yards with a  touchdown, the Packers pulled their franchise quarterback and rode with Clifford for the majority of the game. And aside from his two biggest mistakes, which rookies will tend to make, Clifford performed quite admirably in his NFL preseason debut.

Clifford ended the game with 20 completions on 26 pass attempts for 208 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted twice by the same player but he was not sacked once and he rushed two times for 27 yards. Not a bad preseason debut by any stretch of the imagination, and perhaps an encouraging sign for the Packers when it comes to figuring out who the top backup option will be behind Love.

Clifford appeared to already have the inside track to the team’s top backup job on the roster. The Packers used a fifth-round draft pick on Clifford, who ended his Penn State career as the offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl. And leading up to the first preseason game of the year, the Packers released veteran quarterback Danny Etling. Clifford was expected to compete with Etling for the top backup job on the roster. Clifford has been listed second on the team’s first unofficial depth chart and his performance in the preseason opener against the Bengals did not seem to do anything to suggest he should be bumped down just yet.

Clifford and the Packers still have two more preseason games to play, of course, and he should get plenty of playing time as the Packers keep Love off the field as much as they can afford. The Packers will host the New Gnaldn Patriots, home to former Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki and quarterback Trace McSorley, next Saturday, Sept. 19.

Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=13]

Sean Clifford with inside track to top backup QB job with Packers?

The first depth chart from the Packers shows Sean Clifford could be locking down the top backup QB job.

It appears as though former Penn State quarterback [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] is putting himself in a good position on the Green Bay Packers depth chart as the NFL preseason gets started. An unofficial depth chart released by the Packers this week listed Clifford as the second-string option behind starter Jordan Love.

The Packers make sure to emphasize that this is not a concrete depth chart at this point, but seeing Clifford listed second on the quarterback list behind the team’s franchise quarterback has to be an encouraging sign for the former Nittany Lion. This look at the roster comes after the Packers made a roster move earlier this week to release another potential backup quarterback option, Danny Etling.

When the Packers used a fifth-round draft pick on Clifford in the 2023 NFL draft, it was expected to be a move to add to the franchise’s quarterback depth in a way that figures to have Clifford involved. And as he continues to have a solid showing in Packers training camp, the franchise obviously felt comfortable with parting ways with the veteran Etling this week to make room on the roster for other needs.

Clifford passed for 10,661 career yards at Penn State with 86 career touchdown passes. He capped his lengthy six-year stint at Penn State by leading the Nittany Lions to a victory in the Rose Bowl and earning Rose Bowl offensive MVP honors in his final game with the program.

Clifford was a bit of a surprise draft pick by the Packers, but it does seem as though he is taking advantage of the opportunity so far. Clifford and the Packers open their preseason on Friday night in Cincinnati, where they are having joint practices with the Bengals leading up to the first preseason game of the year.

Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion. Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=10]

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=13]

Joel Klatt puts Penn State at No. 5 in his preseason rankings

Joel Klatt releases his preseason top 10. Who is on top and where does Penn State sit?

After the release of the preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, there has been plenty of debate and discussion about those rankings on teams who were snubbed, teams overvalued and undervalued by the coaches heading into 2023.

Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt released his own preseason rankings during an episode of The Joel Klatt Show on Monday. He also put out his top 10 rankings on a separate social media post.

Here are his rankings;

  1. Georgia
  2. Michigan
  3. Ohio State
  4. Alabama
  5. Penn State
  6. Washington
  7. LSU
  8. USC
  9. Clemson
  10. Florida State

Klatt is clearly feeling the Nittany Lions heading into the 2023 campaign.

“Penn State to me, is a team that is just banging on the door of that next step of success in college football,” Klatt said on his show.

He thinks the biggest question mark surrounding the team comes down to if the quarterback play can be raised enough to compete with the big programs across the country.

Klatt thinks [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] is the answer saying he’s, “An incredibly talented player. Really talented. And I actually think that he fits what Penn State can do and will do much better than what [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] fit in the last couple of years.”

Penn State fans know that quarterback seems to be the biggest separator between them and the program they want to be, which is contending for national championships.

One thing everyone knows about the Nittany Lions is their defense is expected to be elite under [autotag]Manny Diaz[/autotag] again.

“On defense, they’re really good on every single level,” Klatt said. “This is a really good team and the question becomes can they knock off Michigan or Ohio State.”

With how loaded this Penn State team looks on paper, it would be a major disappointment to go 0-2 against both those teams for the third straight season.

Follow Brad Wakai on Twitter and TikTok

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=10]

Predicting Packers rookie impact: Will Sean Clifford win backup QB battle?

Fifth-round pick Sean Clifford could end up being the Packers’ No. 2 quarterback.

Brian Gutekunst made 13 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Last season the Green Bay Packers received an impact from a handful of rookies.

Quay Walker started opposite De’Vondre Campbell. When healthy, Christian Watson proved to be a dynamic playmaker. Romeo Doubs finished his rookie season with 42 receptions for 425 yards and three touchdowns. Zach Tom logged over 450 snaps along the offensive line, playing left tackle, right tackle, and left guard. Kingsley Enagbare recorded three sacks and Tariq Carpenter made a splash on special teams.

How much of an impact will the Packers receive from their incoming draft class? Let’s take a look in part two of a five-part series taking a look at how much impact the Packers will get from each rookie. If you missed the first part check the link.

10. Sean Clifford, QB

Clifford saw it all during his time at Penn State. The 149th overall pick finished his career with 46 career starts and is Penn State’s all-time leader in passing yards.

“He started a lot of games in the Big Ten,” Brian Gutekunst said following the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft.  “A lot of experience. Really good athlete. Liked his arm talent.”

Clifford is the betting favorite to win the backup quarterback position behind Jordan Love. He’ll have to beat out Danny Etling and Alex McGough, but barring a horrendous training camp and preseason, it’s hard to imagine the fifth-round pick not securing the role of backup to Love.

With his athleticism, football IQ, toughness, and ability to make plays on the move give Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff confidence that he’d be able to step in and keep the chains moving if something happened to Love.    

“Sean is a guy who is really intelligent,” LaFleur said. “He’s played a lot of games. He’s got some athleticism. He’s a natural thrower. All the things we look for in quarterbacks, he possesses.”

The hope is that Clifford is stuck on the sideline holding a clipboard all season. On the off chance that something happens to Love, Clifford could quickly turn into the most important rookie on the roster. 

Let’s say that doesn’t happen and bank on Clifford only seeing the field for mop-up time in the fourth quarter after Love slings six touchdown passes against the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

James Franklin continues to say there’s a QB competition at Big Ten Media Day

James Franklin continues to say that there’s at QB competition between Drew Allar and Beau Pribula at Big Ten Media Day

After the graduation of [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag], many Penn State fans felt that it would be a simple passing of the torch from the program’s most prolific passer to the five-star prospect [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag].

After all, Allar had seen time during the 2022-23 season even when Clifford was healthy.

Early in the offseason, [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] mentioned that there was a quarterback competition between the five-star sophomore and [autotag]Beau Pribula[/autotag]. It seemed liked it was classic “coach speak” where the head coach is looking to motivate position groups throughout the spring and summer.

However, he kept the same tune throughout the lead up to the Blue-White Game. When Allar out performed Pribula during the game, once again, many expected the competition talks to be put to bed.

Franklin kept them alive during Big Ten Media Day on Wednesday.

[lawrence-related id=34521]

“Obviously everybody wants to talk about quarterback. We’re still in a competition phase. Obviously there’s a lot of people talking about Drew [Allar] and what he brings to the table,” Franklin said at Big Ten media day.

Franklin continued by saying, “So I understand why the excitement is there, 6’5″, 242 pounds, can make all the throws, but Beau Pribula is a guy that everybody in the program has a ton of respect for as well. So that’s going to be an interesting competition throughout the entire camp.”

Offensive coordinator [autotag]Mike Yurcich[/autotag] will be involved in the decision-making as well and is evaluating the play of the quarterbacks.

“We grade everything in every practice, so all the data will be there,” Franklin said. “Obviously, you’re going to trust your gut and your instincts on those things, as well, but you have the data to back it up.”

With the home opener just over five weeks away, there has not been a timetable set on when the decision will be made.

“Obviously, the sooner, the better,” he said. “But we’re not going to rush any of these decisions at any of these positions.”

The quarterback saga continues to roll one into camp, whether Penn State fans like it or not.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=10]

Sean Clifford shows off house warming gift from Aaron Rodgers

Sean Clifford loves the house warming present given to him by Aaron Rodgers

Former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford isn’t exactly replacing an all-time great in Green Bay, but he is occupying the locker of a future Pro Football Hall of Fame player. Aaron Rodgers, who parted ways with the Packers this offseason and joined the New York Jets, left his locker vacant and waiting to be filled. It just so happens that space now belongs to Clifford, the former six-year quarterback for the Nittany Lions.

Once Rodgers got word that his locker was being given to Clifford, Rodgers arranged to send a framed signed jersey to the Packers rookie. Needless to say, Clifford was more than appreciative of the gift!

“Not a bad house warming gift,” Clifford announced on his Twitter profile recently.

Clifford was a fifth-round draft pick of the Packers, surprising many by being drafted as early as he was. Some draft analysts were surprised Clifford was drafted at all. Clifford, Penn State’s all-time passing leader, is working to be the top backup quarterback for the Packers behind starter Jordan Love, whom the Packers originally drafted to backup Rodgers while waiting for the changing of the guard similar to how Rodgers was drafted to succeed Brett Favre. Clifford’s role is not one to push Love to become the starter, but he could prove to be a serviceable backup option for the franchise.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=13]

Has Sean Clifford shown enough or will Packers search for veteran backup QB?

Backup quarterback is one spot where the Packers could consider a veteran addition before the 2023 regular season.

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

There are a few positions that the Green Bay Packers could justify adding to in free agency, including the backup quarterback spot. But has rookie Sean Clifford shown enough through the offseason programs to be the No. 2 option heading into the summer?

Since the draft concluded, both Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur have kept the door open on adding a veteran backup to the quarterback room. Clifford is in his first NFL season, while Danny Etling has no career regular-season snaps and has bounced around from team to team. The purpose of adding a veteran would be to bring experience to the position to help Jordan Love navigate his first season as a starter. Having that extra pair of eyes on the sidelines, in the film room, and on the practice field could be quite valuable.

During OTAs, LaFleur said that the offseason programs would provide the Packers with enough information to know whether or not a veteran backup quarterback was needed. This means that if a signing is going to take place, it will happen over the next few weeks before training camp begins.

As one would expect with a rookie, there has been a steep learning curve for Clifford. During the practice sessions that were open to the media, we saw some flashes, including a two-minute drill scoring drive with completed passes to Malik Heath on a deep out to the right side and a corner route to the left side, along with a beautiful pass to the front right corner of the end zone to Jeff Cotton while staring down a blitzing Tariq Carpenter. However, there was also another two-minute drill that ended on the second play because of an interception on a pass that Clifford tried to squeeze in over the middle of the field but was deflected into the air.

“He’s done some nice things,” said Matt LaFleur after the final open OTA practice, “it’s just he’s a young quarterback. We’ve thrown a lot at these guys. Just specifically with that position, obviously, Jordan (Love) is getting the bulk of the reps, and he’s been splitting the second reps with Danny (Etling), so there is very limited reps for those guys. But I think he’s done a nice job, certainly. In that two-minute drill at the end of the game, we simulated a two-minute end of game, and I thought he did a nice job of getting completions and taking a few chances, and making some throws. “He’s an NFL draft pick; he’s definitely a talented player.”

With $14.29 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, the Packers have the means to make a free agent signing — it’s not as if anyone at this stage of the offseason is going to break the bank, but there are limited options. The remaining free agent quarterbacks include Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, Joe Flacco, and Nick Foles.

If a veteran signing is made, my guess is that Etling would then be the odd man out to make room on the 90-man roster, which is why I believe this decision hinges on how the Packers feel about Clifford. For starters, the Packers did use a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft to take Clifford, but LaFleur has also said it’s “really difficult” to give four quarterbacks the practice reps they need, given the overall inexperience at the position.

There are a few factors that drew the Packers to Clifford during the pre-draft process, including his experience at the college level, which consisted of appearing in 51 games. The organization has also mentioned Clifford’s arm talent, which based on what I saw, is more consistent and offered more flashes than Etling’s, along with his intelligence and fit in the locker room.

Packers rookie QB Sean Clifford receives special gift from Aaron Rodgers

Packers rookie quarterback Sean Clifford is well aware that he was given Aaron Rodgers’ old locker, but now the two have formed a special bond despite not being teammates. Clifford recently received a housewarming gift from Rodgers in the form of a …

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Packers rookie quarterback Sean Clifford is well aware that he was given Aaron Rodgers’ old locker, but now the two have formed a special bond despite not being teammates.

Clifford recently received a housewarming gift from Rodgers in the form of a signed jersey and shared it on his Twitter.

Rodgers even wrote a heartfelt message that reads, “Sean – Welcome to Green Bay! Enjoy that great city & my locker!”

When the possibility of a trade was realized this offseason, Rodgers had nothing but nice things to say about the city he spent the last 18 years in.

“18 years man…Green Bay is always going to be home,” he said in February on The Pat McAfee Show.

When the trade was finally made official, Rodgers wasn’t too busy getting acquainted with his new team and teammates to build a connection with the Packers’ fifth-round pick out of Penn State.

Last month, Clifford participated in a Fanatics documentary short called “The Locker Room,” which showed rookies being welcomed to the league by NFL greats. You can see Clifford’s reaction to Rodgers’ message right around the 0:56 mark.

Clifford has never shied away from sharing a locker with Rodgers, but won’t let it distract him from more his own NFL journey.

“I understand who was in here before and I respect everything about that, but at the same time, I came in, I found my name on the plate, and I sat down. I’m doing whatever it takes to win games here. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity,” he said back in May.

Packers rookie QB Sean Clifford impresses during two-minute portion of Tuesday’s OTA

Packers rookie Sean Clifford ended Tuesday’s OTA practice with a strong showing in the two-minute drill.

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Sean Clifford still has a lot of work to do if he hopes to win Green Bay’s backup quarterback job, but his performance at the end of Tuesday’s practice may have been his best so far in a Packers uniform.

With reporters watching from the sideline for the third and final OTA open to the media, the former Penn State signal caller outperformed starter Jordan Love during the two-minute drill. Love’s last throw was an interception, while Clifford capped off an impressive series with an 8-yard touchdown to receiver Jeff Cotton on fourth down. According to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com, he completed 9 out of 11 passes for 75 yards.  

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky was also impressed with Clifford’s late-game heroics, albeit in a simulated environment without any pads on. 

While real football appears to be so close and yet so far away, these are the types of moments you look forward to in June. Clifford’s two-minute drive won’t matter come training camp, but it’s an important building block for a young quarterback trying to earn the No. 2 job.

Outside the building, the confidence around Clifford has been less than favorable since the Packers made him a fifth-round selection. Some thought the pick was too rich for Clifford, who had experience as a four-year starter in the Big Ten but may lack the arm talent and accuracy to stick in the NFL. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein considered him a priority undrafted free agent. 

None of that mattered once Clifford arrived in Green Bay. The Packers aren’t interested in paying a veteran to hold a clipboard, so they are letting a rookie and a practice squad carryover in Danny Etling duke it out. So far, Clifford has made a positive impression, says head coach Matt LaFleur. 

“He’s done some nice things, it’s just, he’s a young quarterback and we’ve thrown a lot at these guys. Specifically with that position, obviously, Jordan’s getting the bulk of the reps, and (Clifford’s) been splitting the second reps with (Etling), so there are very limited reps for those guys. But I think he’s done a nice job, and certainly in the two-minute drill there at the end of (practice), I thought he did a nice job just getting completions and taking a few chances and made some throws.”

LaFleur also added something to silence those who doubted Clifford’s potential.

“I do think he’s an NFL draft pick,” he said. “He’s definitely a talented player.”

The backup quarterback competition should heat up from here. Next week the team will reconvene for mandatory minicamp and that will be it before the real test begins with the start of training camp in late July. From there, Clifford will have to impress throughout the preseason if he wants to be the guy behind Love. 

Sean Clifford shows off his brand new official Green Bay Packers jersey

Sean Clifford showed off his first official Green Bay Packers jersey at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles.

The NFL welcomed a number of members of its new rookie class out for the official jersey reveal and trading card photo shoot event in Los Angeles this weekend. Among those invited to the event was former Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, who was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Clifford sure seemed to enjoy the moment of being alongside members of his draft class from all over the draft. And why wouldn’t he? Few thought Clifford may even be drafted, never mind going in the fifth round. So Clifford has every reason to be all smiles being in the position he is in.

At the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, Clifford got a chance to see his first official Packers jersey up close and personal. Clifford has already gone through a PAckers minicamp in a practice jersey, but there is something about seeing the first real game jersey that has to be such a special moment for any NFL player. Clifford, who will be wearing no. 8 with the Packers, posed with his jersey and shared the image on his Twitter account.

After going through his photoshoot, the PAckers shared some fresh photos of a determined-looking Clifford in a full Green Bay uniform.

Of course, there were some light-hearted moments to be had as well. Take this gathering of rookies around a table chowing down on some food in full uniform, including the helmets! That has to be difficult. Clifford is seen sitting at the table with his new Green Bay teammate Jayden Reed, from Michigan State. Other players in the photo include Stetson Bennett (Georgia), Jake Haener (Fresno State), Michael Wilson (Stanford), and Chase Brown (Illinois).

Clifford was the only drafted Penn State player invited to the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event, although former quarterback Will Levis was also a part of the event to give Clifford and Levis a chance to reconnect once again.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=13]