After promising performance, Packers QB Michael Pratt have a big challenge in front of him
Over the last few drafts, general manager Brian Gutekunst has made sure he adds more quarterback options for the Green Bay Packers. And if Sean Clifford in the 2023 fifth-round was perceived as a reach, getting Michael Pratt in this year's seventh round was a much better value. And in his first preseason action against […]
Over the last few drafts, general manager Brian Gutekunst has made sure he adds more quarterback options for the Green Bay Packers. And if Sean Clifford in the 2023 fifth-round was perceived as a reach, getting Michael Pratt in this year's seventh round was a much better value.
And in his first preseason action against the Cleveland Browns last Saturday was a promising indication of what Pratt can be.
Even though the quarterback was already expected to play fewer snaps than Clifford, he did the most out of his few opportunities — diminished because Matt LaFleur decided to run to kill the clock late in the game. He completed five of seven passes for 46 yards, an 88.9 passer rating. The numbers weren't better because Bo Melton dropped a good pass from him over the middle — and it was almost picked off.
The play-by-play breakdown brings an even better perspective of how well Pratt played. He finished the game with an 83.6 PFF grade (high quality), slightly below Jordan Love (87.9) and ahead of Sean Clifford (77.6).
Arm talent
Pratt certainly has better arm strength than Clifford. But arm talent is more than that, it's also about accuracy. And this is exactly what his best play of the day showed: Pratt is a fairly accurate thrower. And yes, he was playing against backups for the Browns, but he was performing behind a questionable offensive line and his target was undrafted rookie Julian Hicks. The ball placement was really good, getting his receiver in position to make the play.
Attitude
Being a seventh-round pick, Michael Pratt has to prove himself to be around the league. And part of that is the attitude, showing he can help the team in any possible way. Against the Browns, Pratt did something you won't always see from quarterbacks. He quickly ran to the second level on this play to block for Emanuel Wilson — and it was an effective, really helpful move.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said that starters won't play against the Denver Broncos next Sunday, in the Packers' second preseason game. The team will take advantage of the joint practice in Denver to put the main players on the field. That also means backups will have more chances in the game, and it's big news for Pratt. Potentially, he will have a chance to play for two quarters — and if he does that at a high level once again, the rookie will make a strong case to be the immediate backup behind Jordan Love.
Jordan Love action and edge attack: Packers game observations of preseason opener vs Browns
Packers are facing the Browns in Cleveland
