In Like Flynn

     After a quick workout and presumably brief conversation with his agent, Matt Flynn was told he could keep those Packers sweats he was wearing. Though no announcement has yet been made, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last night that the signing is imminent.

     The Packers began a conversation with Flynn last week, but their hand was forced by QB Seneca Wallace's early exit Sunday against the Eagles with a groan (sic) injury.

     Not to toot my own horn, but a certain out-of-market Packer web logger did foretell the exact set of circumstances that would lead to the team resigning their former backup. But here, I'll save you the click:

"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 crystal ball and I can't take full credit, though. It's almost a no brainer that Flynn would at least get a look, given the quarterback carousel this season. Well-documented elbow tendonitis aside, Flynn is a high-IQ player with an in depth knowledge of the Packers very complicated offensive playbook. God forbid Scott Tolzien gets hurt or plays very poorly, Matt Flynn can no doubt competently pilot the ship. His potential effectiveness is a suspect variable, but coach Mike McCarthy would at least be able to run an almost full menu of plays with Flynn behind center. 

    

      But Packer fans should hope to never see Flynn on the field, as it would mean that Scott Tolzien played effectively, stayed healthy, and ideally stole a victory or two in Aaron Rodgers absence. Flynn will most certainly be the backup, as McCarthy has already given the starting job to Tolzien. 

    

     The signing will likely be made official by the team today, and a corresponding roster move will have to come with. More than likely, QB Seneca Wallace will be placed on IR, thus ending his tenure in Green Bay, and possibly his career.

Related articles from Daily Dope Sheet:

Emergency Pack: Why/When to Sign Flynn

McCarthy: "Scott Tolzien Will Start" 

Sharp Cheddar Podcast: Discussing GB's Odds w/o Rodgers 



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Mike McCarthy: "Scott Tolzien will start against the New York Giants"

The Packers had just lost their second consecutive home game, falling 27-13 to the Eagles, as coach Mike McCarthy began his post game presser. "I'll tell you right now, Scott Tolzien will start against the New York Giants, so we'll answer that question right here." When prodded, he firmly iterated, "I'm the head coach. I've made that decision."
    Seneca Wallace got virtually all of the practice reps this week with the number one offense, but suffered a groin injury on the first series in Sunday's game. In relief of Wallace, former Badger Scott Tolzien did his best not to shrink in the face of adversity. He completed an impressive 24 of 39 pass attempts (62%) for 280 yards and a touchdown. He did throw two picks, one of which was objectively his fault.
    But this performance must be put into context. Consider that Scott Tolzien was was only activated from the practice squad this past Wednesday. It stands to reason that Tolzien was running on poise, rather than playbook proficiency. In that regard, he was a pleasant surprise. That in mind, McCarthy's insistence is perhaps justified. Tolzien answered the bell objectively stronger than did Seneca Wallace last week, when he faced almost literally an identical set of circumstances.
    The injury bug has forced Ted Thompson's hand, and we'll soon see if free agent QB Matt Flynn—the Packers kicked his tires this week—gets the nod from a medical standpoint. But the immediate future appears to be Tolzien's time.  Wallace's availability is still unclear.

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.