The Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback competition has been underwhelming, to say the least.
Second-year Sean Clifford has struggled to protect the ball. Seventh-round rookie Michael Pratt is far from perfect and has a lot to learn, but he has outplayed Clifford throughout the summer, showing the potential to become a solid backup.
Despite Pratt's better performances, the Packers have stuck with Clifford as the No. 2 quarterback behind Jordan Love. He started last week's preseason game against the Denver Broncos, and it didn't go well.
However, the tide might finally be turning.
Michael Pratt takes a significant step toward winning Packers backup quarterback job
To Clifford's credit, he stepped up and made plays during Thursday's joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens. However, Pratt may have finally overtaken him on the depth chart.
The rookie received extensive work with the second-team offense, with Clifford relegated to the third-team duties. And Pratt made the most of it.
"Michael Pratt led the No. 2 offense on a methodical scoring drive," Sports Illustrated's Bill Huber wrote. "Defensive holding gave the Packers their initial first down on fourth-and-3, Pratt threw a big-time pass to Grant DuBose for another first down and running back Ellis Merriweather turned a short catch into another first down."
Clifford had a good day, too, but Pratt getting second-team work is notable. It will be fascinating to see how the snaps are distributed in Saturday's preseason finale and also which quarterback gets the first opportunity.
Packers fans have called for Pratt to get more chances. He outplayed Clifford at minicamp, and that trend has continued through most of training camp and the preseason. He was particularly impressive in the preseason opener, completing five of seven passes for 46 yards and a passer rating of 89.0. He earned PFF's second-highest grade of any rookie quarterback in preseason Week 1.
It's just one practice, but this is notable, with only days remaining until the Packers trim their roster to 53 players. Clifford has the advantage of spending a year in Matt LaFleur's system, but Pratt has been the better quarterback all summer.
Pratt deserves significant game time against the Ravens. Based on Thursday's joint practice, the Packers may finally be giving the fans what they want.
