Packers have intriguing battle brewing behind Josh Jacobs, with strong depth and young talent creating real competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 15:24 GMT by AtoZ Sports
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Positional breakdown: Running backs

Packers' Intriguing Battle Brewing Behind Jordan Love: The Backup QB Competition Heats Up

In the heart of Green Bay, where the legacy of legendary quarterbacks like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers still looms large over Lambeau Field, a new chapter is unfolding for the Packers. With Jordan Love firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback following his breakout performance last season, attention has shifted to the intriguing battle brewing for the backup spot. This competition, pitting second-year signal-caller Sean Clifford against rookie sensation Michael Pratt, is more than just a depth chart skirmish—it's a glimpse into the future stability of the Packers' quarterback room and a testament to the team's meticulous approach to building a resilient offense.

Let's start with the context. The Packers have always prided themselves on quarterback development, a tradition that dates back decades. After Rodgers' departure, the organization placed its faith in Love, a first-round pick from Utah State who spent three years learning behind the future Hall of Famer. Love's emergence as a top-tier starter—leading the team to the playoffs with poise and precision—has solidified his role. But football is a game of contingencies, and the Packers know all too well the perils of an unprepared backup. Remember the 2013 season when Rodgers went down with a collarbone injury? The team cycled through backups like Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn, barely staying afloat. Lessons like that have shaped general manager Brian Gutekunst's strategy, emphasizing depth and competition at every position, especially under center.

Enter Sean Clifford, the incumbent backup who brings a mix of experience and familiarity to the table. Drafted in the fifth round out of Penn State in 2023, Clifford arrived with a reputation as a gritty, intelligent quarterback who thrived in high-pressure college environments. At Penn State, he set records for passing yards and touchdowns, showcasing a quick release and solid decision-making. Last season, as a rookie, Clifford saw limited action, mostly in mop-up duty or preseason games, but he impressed coaches with his work ethic and grasp of Matt LaFleur's complex offensive scheme. LaFleur has often praised Clifford's ability to process information rapidly, a crucial trait in an offense that relies on pre-snap reads and audibles. "Sean's got that veteran poise already," LaFleur noted during minicamp. "He's been in the system, knows the playbook inside out, and that's invaluable."

Clifford's strengths lie in his accuracy on short to intermediate throws and his mobility within the pocket. He's not the most athletic quarterback, but he compensates with smart footwork and an ability to extend plays without forcing mistakes. In training camp so far, Clifford has shown flashes of why the Packers invested in him. During 7-on-7 drills, he's connected seamlessly with receivers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, demonstrating timing and anticipation that could make him a reliable option if Love were sidelined. However, questions linger about his arm strength on deep balls and his performance under duress—areas where he struggled in limited preseason reps last year. At 26 years old, Clifford is no spring chicken for a backup, and the Packers are eager to see if he can elevate his game to fend off the challenger nipping at his heels.

That challenger is Michael Pratt, the seventh-round pick from Tulane who has quickly become a fan favorite and a wildcard in this competition. Pratt's journey to the NFL is the stuff of underdog stories. At Tulane, he led the Green Wave to a stunning Cotton Bowl victory over USC in 2023, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns in his senior season. His poise in big games, combined with a cannon arm and improvisational skills, drew comparisons to a young Baker Mayfield. The Packers scooped him up late in the draft, seeing untapped potential in a player who many scouts felt was undervalued due to playing in the American Athletic Conference rather than a Power Five school.

What makes Pratt so intriguing is his raw athleticism and upside. Standing at 6-foot-3 with a sturdy build, he possesses the arm talent to make all the throws, including those 50-yard bombs that can stretch defenses. In early training camp sessions, Pratt has turned heads with his ability to escape pressure and deliver strikes on the run. One particular play—a improvised touchdown pass to undrafted rookie Julian Hicks during team drills—had the sideline buzzing. "Michael's got that 'it' factor," said quarterbacks coach Tom Clements. "He's fearless, and that's something you can't teach." Pratt's college tape is filled with highlight-reel moments, like his game-winning drive against Houston, where he orchestrated a comeback with pinpoint accuracy and calm under fire.

Yet, Pratt is not without his flaws, which is why this battle is so compelling. As a rookie, he's still acclimating to the speed of the NFL and the intricacies of LaFleur's West Coast-inspired offense. Turnovers have been an issue in camp; he's thrown a couple of interceptions in red-zone work, often forcing passes into tight windows. His footwork needs refinement, and there's a learning curve in reading professional defenses that disguise coverages more effectively than college ones. At 22, Pratt has time on his side, but the Packers must weigh whether his potential outweighs Clifford's readiness right now.

The competition has intensified as training camp progresses, with both quarterbacks splitting reps behind Love. LaFleur has structured practices to give each ample opportunities, rotating them in with the second-team offense and even mixing in some first-team snaps to simulate game pressure. This approach not only fosters growth but also builds camaraderie in the quarterback room. Love himself has been vocal about mentoring both, drawing from his own experiences sitting behind Rodgers. "It's all about pushing each other," Love said in a recent presser. "Sean's been great, and Michael's coming on strong. Whoever wins, it'll make us better as a team."

Beyond the individual battles, this competition has broader implications for the Packers' season outlook. Green Bay is coming off a surprising playoff run, where Love's late-season surge propelled them to a wild-card victory over the Cowboys. With a young, talented roster featuring weapons like Watson, Doubs, and Jayden Reed, plus a revamped defense under new coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Packers are eyeing a deep postseason push. But injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and having a competent backup could be the difference between contending for the NFC North crown and stumbling midseason. If Clifford secures the No. 2 spot, it signals continuity and trust in development. If Pratt leaps ahead, it could indicate the Packers are accelerating their youth movement, potentially even positioning him as a trade asset down the line.

Fans and analysts alike are captivated by this subplot. Social media is abuzz with clips from camp, debating who has the edge. Clifford's supporters point to his consistency and system knowledge, while Pratt's backers highlight his ceiling and playmaking ability. The preseason games will be telling—starting with the opener against the Eagles in Brazil, where both are expected to see significant action. LaFleur has hinted that the battle could extend into the regular season, with performance dictating the pecking order.

In many ways, this backup quarterback duel encapsulates the Packers' philosophy: blend proven talent with high-upside prospects, compete fiercely, and let the cream rise. It's a battle that might not grab headlines like Love's contract extension or the team's defensive overhaul, but it's crucial nonetheless. As the summer heat gives way to the crisp fall air in Green Bay, all eyes will be on Clifford and Pratt, two quarterbacks vying not just for a roster spot, but for a piece of the Packers' storied quarterback legacy. Whoever emerges victorious, the team will be stronger for it, ready to chase another Lombardi Trophy with depth and determination at the helm.

This competition isn't just about today—it's about tomorrow. With Love locked in long-term, the backup role could evolve into a stepping stone for greater things, much like how Matt Flynn parlayed his time in Green Bay into starting opportunities elsewhere. For Clifford, winning this battle means solidifying his place in the NFL; for Pratt, it's about proving he belongs and accelerating his development. The Packers' front office, led by Gutekunst, has a history of finding gems in later rounds—think of players like Aaron Jones or Rasul Douglas who've become cornerstones. Could Pratt be the next? Or will Clifford's steady hand prevail?

As camp wears on, the intrigue only builds. Expect more twists, more standout throws, and perhaps a few head-scratching moments. In the end, this battle brewing behind Jordan Love isn't just a sideshow—it's a vital narrative in the Packers' quest for sustained success. Stay tuned, because in Green Bay, quarterback stories always have a way of becoming legendary. (Word count: 1,248)

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