Getty Image / Michael Hickey
Brett Favre, though facing legal trouble currently, is a Green Bay Packers legend and one of the best quarterbacks to ever live. That’s why it’s so funny to see Packers fans compare rookie fourth-round pick Sean Clifford to the Hall-of-Famer after one preseason game.
As someone who watched every snap Sean Clifford took at our Alma Mater, Penn State, over the last four years, I can almost see where they’re coming from. They both make some great plays, and some plays that make you wonder if they’ve ever played before.
For example, this throw against Purdue last year in a game that Penn State seemed to be on its way to winning scarred me for life.
This throw from Sean Clifford couldn’t have been thrown worse.
He completely misses his receiver on the overthrow and it results in a pick six.
Need to be better than that.#PennState | #Purdue pic.twitter.com/8CatkE8pYs
— Brandon Carr (@bcarr_13) September 2, 2022
And then, he came back with a drive like this to win the game.
That duality was on display in Sean Clifford’s NFL preseason debut on Friday against the Bengals. He was 20-26 for 208 yards, which would normally be a very impressive stat line. But, he threw two picks, including a pick-six, against just one touchdown pass.
PICK 6: #Bengals S Tycen Anderson comes up with a pick six on #Packers rookie QB Sean Cliffordpic.twitter.com/PVynspH86G
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 12, 2023
NFL fans are getting the full Sean Clifford experience today! 😂
Packers -4 📉
pic.twitter.com/WmvGUeuiB8— OddsTrader (@OddsTrader_) August 12, 2023
He made some truly great throws, as well.
NFL QUARTERBACK SEAN CLIFFORD pic.twitter.com/G7aTQuunTb
— Roar Lions Roar (@RLRblog) August 12, 2023
Sean Clifford just led an 8-play, 79-yard TD drive in his first opportunity with the Green Bay Packers
pic.twitter.com/ytIzOtzxQm— Seth Engle (@bigsengtweets) August 11, 2023
Sean Clifford haters are in absolute shambles right now.pic.twitter.com/vQWimwy6Or
— Locked On Nittany Lions (@LockedOnNittany) August 12, 2023
Dontayvion Wicks breaks free for 47 yards 💨🧀
What a throw by Sean Clifford 🎯
Lot of young talented WRs on the roster but don’t forget about Wicks pic.twitter.com/QCIJXsxspC
— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) August 12, 2023
Still, the Favre comparisons are little over the top, considering he retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Interceptions, too.
It's unbelievable how similar Sean Clifford's game looks like Brett Favre's. Legit feels like I'm watching baby Brett!
— Big B (@bigpackers4x) August 12, 2023
Sean Clifford's got a little Brett Favre in him
nearly 200 passing yards in just over 1 quarter
1 touchdown pass
2 interceptions
1 pick-6
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 12, 2023
Maybe Sean Clifford is a Brett Favre clone.
— Luke Beller (@luke_beller) August 12, 2023
Maybe Sean Clifford is a Brett Favre clone.
— Luke Beller (@luke_beller) August 12, 2023
Sean Clifford reminds me of Brett Favre. There I said it. #Gunslinger #GoPackGo
— Sean Stephenson (@sgstephenson) August 12, 2023
They are forgetting that Brett Favre had one of the most naturally-gifted arms in league history. Sean Clifford has a good arm, but it’s nothing special at this level of football.
The Packers won, 36-19.