Saturday, November 9, 2013

Emergency Pack

In a small metal cupboard hanging on the wall, behind a thin, glass door sits quarterback Matt Flynn. A tiny hammer dangles in wait. Bold, municipal helvetica reads, "IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, BREAK GLASS."
     Internet trolls and sports radio junkies alike are clamoring for the Packers to re-sign their former backup. But it's not just the typical windbaggery of a certain blowhard bunch crying for GM Ted Thompson to "do something!" Flynn is available. The team did meet with him this past week, worked him out, and most certainly quizzed him on his recollection of the playbook.
     Matt Flynn is well traveled since leaving the Packers for starting money, failing to stick in Seattle, Oakland, and Buffalo. It has been reported that he has tendonitis in his throwing elbow. If true, it's no wonder Flynn, known more for football acumen than arm strength, has been ineffective. But passing two physicals in recent months—in Oakland and Buffalo—does bode well for his diagnosis.
     Thus, the Packers are taking a peek. While the team will always fall back on the adage of doing due diligence, taking a mid-season look at a quarterback is an eyebrow-raiser from a staff known widely for their steady-as-she-goes approach.
     The front office won't act, however, unless they don't like what they see this Sunday from current backup, Seneca Wallace. The ball is literally now in Seneca's court. Notwithstanding his Uncle-Rico-esque delivery and lack of physical stature, if Wallace can prove he has the moves and meddle to competently pilot the Pack to an above-.500 record in Rodgers' absence, Flynn will remain a teamless specter. If Wallace baulks or, worse yet, sustains an injury, it is likely that Scott Tolzien would get an opportunity, and that the team would then reach out to Flynn as a possible next man up.

My take? I believe Seneca Wallace is within the top half of backups in the league in two critical categories: experience and poise. He's seen a lot of NFL football. The key for Wallace is to be Alex Smith. Be smart, efficient, consistent. After watching his play against the Bears last Monday, I can't say I feel confident in Seneca's arm strength. The ball is coming out of his hand with considerably less mustard than receivers are used to seeing in Green Bay, which could lead to interceptions. Too many costly turnovers and the dominos with fall. It'll be Tolzien-time and Flynn's agent will get a call. But hopefully, like many of the bridges in Green Bay, the team won't get to cross it.

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