Jordan Love started the Packers’ preseason opener against the Bengals on Friday night, but it was rookie quarterback Sean Clifford who stole the show.
Clifford, who played at Penn State from 2017-2022, was selected by the Packers in the fifth round of this year’s draft. At the time, many people questioned the pick.
Well, people aren’t questioning the selection now.
Clifford completed 20-of-26 pass attempts for 208 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Overall, he led five drives that ended with either a touchdown or field goal.
NFL fans couldn’t stop raving about Clifford’s performance, especially since the Packers defeated the Bengals 36-19.
Sean Clifford in his first game as a Green Bay Packer:
• 20/26 passing (76.9%)
• 208 passing yards
• 27 rushing yards
• 1 passing TD
• 2 INT’s
• led 5 drives that ended in either a TD or FGAn IMPRESSIVE start for the Packers 25-year-old rookie QB.
The Packers QB room is… pic.twitter.com/kn6aq5Bzqz
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 12, 2023
“I’m old enough to remember when people said that Sean Clifford didn’t deserve to be drafted,” Andy Herman said.
I’m old enough to remember when people said that Sean Clifford didn’t deserve to be drafted.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 12, 2023
“I can’t lie….#Packers rookie QB Sean Clifford is gonna be a blast to watch this preseason. Both the good and the bad,” the host of Packers Total Access said.
I can’t lie….#Packers rooke QB Sean Clifford is gonna be a blast to watch this preseason. Both the good and the bad. Nice play by Samori Toure on this 3rd and long. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/vposl0E6Ox
— Packers Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) August 12, 2023
Clifford will have to clean up the turnovers if he wants to be better next week, there’s no doubt about it.
That being said, the Packers have to be pleased with Clifford’s ability to overcome early mistakes and make plays off script.
Clifford will be back in action next Saturday against the Patriots.