NFL defenses have been trying, and failing, to prepare for Patrick Mahomes since the Chiefs' quarterback began taking over the league in 2018.
It’s a tough task for any coach, and this week, the burden of preparation falls on Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, Barry spoke highly of Mahomes, explaining that his ability to create out of broken plays made him an especially challenging player to game-plan against.
He also said that in the week of practice leading up to Sunday’s game, the role of Mahomes has been played by rookie Sean Clifford on the Packers’ scout team.
Joe Barry with a lengthy answer on preparing for Patrick Mahomes, says Sean Clifford has done a nice job on the look team this week trying to replicate what Mahomes does off schedule pic.twitter.com/90KzzJLp1p
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) November 30, 2023
Again, there is no great way to prepare for Mahomes. Most teams in the NFL have some practice squad quarterback doing their best impression of their upcoming opponent under center.
Still, Clifford, who has yet to throw a pass in the NFL, is a tough choice, and football fans were quick to make some jokes.
I was saying all preseason Sean Clifford was basically Patrick Mahomes, nice to have it confirmed https://t.co/7jxR4qkUW1
— Shaun (@ButtersBC) November 30, 2023
this is like your mom saying we got McDonald’s at home https://t.co/vUFzFSIU2I
— ebo (@ebosays) November 30, 2023
Please try to read this seriously a couple times without laughing https://t.co/EIVUW83fQ7
— Christian 🦦 (@AnabolicPack) November 30, 2023
CLIFFORD IS THE NEW MAHOMES THIS IS WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR https://t.co/RvZnhAkfG0
— Owen Slack (@owenslack72) November 30, 2023
We couldn't be more ready https://t.co/rBNXeGoTsL
— PJ (@Johnson21800) November 30, 2023
The Chiefs and Packers will face off at Lambeau Field on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football.
