A Win For Flynn!

Aaron Rodgers sustained a left clavicle fracture early in a November 4th game against the Chicago Bears. That game quickly slipped away from the Packers, giving way to a veritable landslide, and victory hadn't been tasted since. Until today. Yes, it was Matt Flynn—thrice cut and unemployed on that November night—who would lead the team to victory for the first time in 5 weeks, as the Packers fought tooth and nail to narrowly defeat the Falcons 22-21.

Here are some key takeaways from Matt Flynn's performance:

 Matt Flynn: 24/32,  258 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 95.6 rating. Photo: Packers.com

Poise and Persistence: There were some poor throws, some questionable decisions, and of course the flukey off-the-foot pick six courtesy of Sean Weatherspoon, but Matt Flynn's stoicism never wavered. Under duress, amid home-crowd boos, and with the very real pressure of a season seemingly slipping away, Flynn remained focused, and consistently moved the chains.

Small Ball: The game plan was clear: A no-huddle offense predicated on quick play-action throws to establish rhythm and confidence. Of his total 258 passing yards, 126 (roughly half) of those yards were notched by tight ends and running backs. TE Andrew Quarless was targeted 7 times, nabbing 6 balls for 66 yards.

A Rare Shot Downfield: I've often criticized Flynn for his "noodle arm." Harsh words, I know. But credit must be given for what was a well-thrown 46 yard strike to Jordy Nelson. The ball may have taken longer than I'm comfortable with to get there, and may have taken 30 minutes of play-action to set up, but it provided a spark as the Packers looked to overcome an eight point deficit early in the 3rd quarter. That drive would produce a field goal, bringing the Packers to within a touchdown at 21-16.

Taking His Lumps: Matt Flynn was sacked 5 times tonight, and that's not entirely a bad thing. One huge difference between benched backup QB Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn is care for the football. In 2.5 games, Tolzien's TD/INT ratio was 1/5. He was often guilty of making a hasty throw under pressure. Say what you will about Matt Flynn's arm strength or his inability to make it to his third read, his willingness to take his lumps behind the line and not risk a costly interception proved to be a winning strategy in a close game at Lambeau.

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Sharp Cheddar 12.02.13

The crew is back from a turkey induced coma to discuss the trauma of being mauled by Lions. We also sing some Sarah McLachlan a cappella. Seriously.

Sharp Cheddar 11.26.13

Brian, Joe, and I discuss the emptiness of tying in the NFL, issue some paddles, and reflect for a moment of thanks.

Sharp Cheddar 11.13.13

Joe is back from his homework-related injury, Brian calls out the lame behavior at Lambeau, and we ponder the morbid curiosity of a Scott Tolzien-led offense.

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.