Packers news: Green Bay recently tightened up their quarterback rotation ahead of the new season and it came in the form of a rather surprising roster cut for Danny Etling. Jordan Love will finally get his chance to be the Packers’ QB1, and now that Etling is out, it appears that rookie Sean Clifford is primed to take on the role as Green Bay’s primary backup at quarterback.
Packers News: Sean Clifford Reacts to Danny Etling Release
Despite the fact that Etling’s release all but guarantees a move up for Clifford, the Packers’ fifth round pick admits that he’s sad to see Etling go:
“Obviously, I got to know Danny through OTAs and the summer and being here in camp,” Clifford said after Monday’s practice at Packers training camp, via Bill Huber of Packer Central. “I have a lot of respect for him, everything that he put on tape and the things that he did with us in the quarterback room. I just felt like he always carried himself with a lot of class. I learned a whole lot from him.”
They may have spent just a brief time together as teammates, but there’s no denying that Etling left quite an impression on his younger counterpart. However, such is the harsh reality of the NFL.
“I definitely was bummed to see that, but I also understand how this league works,” Cllifford continued. “Moving forward, excited to continue to get reps and continue to learn from the guys in the room and try to make this team the best that I can do.”
Clifford will now go up against Alex McGough for the Packers’ coveted QB2 spot. Nothing is guaranteed at this point, and as Clifford quickly realized following Etling’s release, everything can change in an instant.
NFL News: Sean Clifford Speaks Out on Massive Opportunity Ahead
Clifford now has a chance to prove that he’s worthy to take on the role as Jordan Love’s primary backup. The Packers are set to have a joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday, followed by a preseason matchup on Friday. The 25-year-old knows that a lot will be at stake over the next few days, and Clifford is doing everything he can to improve his QB2 chances:
“I never try to put unnecessary pressures on myself, especially when a month from now is still a month from now,” he said. “I’d rather focus on what I can do today and what I can do tomorrow to get myself better in the moment. Those little wins and stacking day by day, I feel like, that’s always been my mantra and that’s how you continuously improve. I’m just focusing on what I can control right now.”
The fact that Clifford is a Cincinnati native and a lifelong Bengals fan should give this young man the extra motivation he needs to perform at the highest level. He will get his chance. It’s now up to him to take advantage of the opportunity at hand.
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