Sharp Cheddar Podcast 9/11/14

The latest episode of Sharp Cheddar is up. Brian and Zach wax poetic about hash oil and wonder if Brian's parents will listen to this week's episode. There's also some Packers talk, we promise. A brief breakdown of the drubbing at Century Link Field, and a look forward to the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets. Also fuck Pete Carroll.

Sharp Cheddar 02/5/14 - Post Super Bowl Edition

Here's the latest episode of the Sharp Cheddar Podcast, fresh off the virtual presses. The guys return from a Packer-less Super Bowl hangover to chat about the crap-tacular big game. General musings on the future of the Packers ensue. There may even be some acapella Sarah Mclachlan...

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.

Should Ryan Longwell Be Welcomed Back?

Ryan Longwell kicked for the
Packers for nine years, and holds
multiple franchise records

This week, amid a fierce kicking competition between Mason Crosby and Giorggio Tavecchio, a third kicker was welcomed into Lambeau. Former Packer and holder of virtually all significant franchise kicking records, Ryan Longwell, announced his intention to retire as a Packer. Longwell kicked for the team for nine seasons, and had a golden toe to be sure. Here's a short list of his accomplishments:

• Most made FG's in Packers history: 226
• All time Packers leading scorer: 1054 points

It's relatively common these days for players to sign one-day contracts to retire with their preferred team. But in a game of rivalries, tough love, and hard and fast rules, it could be seen as an empty ceremonial gesture— a bit "warm and fuzzy." 

First, a history lesson: The first player ever to sign a one-day contract was Roger Craig. The phenom 49er ball carrier plowed through the NFC West from 1983 through 1990, then went on to play a year with the Raiders and two with the Vikings. He stated a desire to retire as a 49er, the club where he saw the bulk of his success, and where he set many records which still stand today. Signing a one-day contract allowed him to achieve just that, where he was welcomed back into the fold with open arms. 

Since then, it's become common place for players to do this. As teams become more brand oriented, it also benefits them to rewrite history in the most favorable light for their flag. But shouldn't there be a statute of limitations? A point after which it becomes downright silly to sign a one-day contract?  

Ryan Longwell was an excellent kicker for the Packers for nine seasons. But he then went on to be an excellent kicker for the division-rival Vikings for six more years. After that, he signed with his hometown Seahawks for a playoff run in which they'd lost their kicker to injury. In short, when Longwell left Green Bay, his career was only 56% complete. The average career length in the NFL is said to be about 3 years. Longwell played twice that long and then some for the Vikings and Seahawks. After almost doubling his career length with these other team after Green Bay, is there a spot in Lambeau for Ryan Longwell? Should there be?

I'm soliciting your comments here. Should there be a statute of limitations? If so, how long is it? And do franchise accomplishments outweigh it? Discuss!