Flynn-tastic

By Nik Sobic  |   Friday, August 29, 2008  |  Comments( 10 )

Green Bay Packers
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The Packers have to trim their roster from 75 to 53 players by this Saturday. With noteworthy position battles going on all over the field, one has stood out more prominently than others. That, of course, is the fight for the No. 2 quarterback position. So far, highly touted second-round draft pick Brian Brohm has been given the benefit of the doubt in playing ahead of more effective seventh-rounder and former LSU national champion Matt Flynn.

Whether you’re an Aaron Rodgers supporter or not, there are two things all Packer fans can agree on: 1. He is the clear starter; 2. Quite possibly, the Pack has one of the most precarious backup QB situations in the league. With two rookies vying for the backup position, Green Bay management has faced some criticism for not considering bringing in an experienced veteran to fill the No. 2 spot. Fans, critics and management were waiting to see if either Brohm or Flynn would step up in the last preseason game. Consider this case closed.

Flynn improved on his statistical advantage over Brohm in a big way. Going into Thursday's game against the Titans, Flynn held the edge in compiling 132 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions on 19-of-29 passing; on the other hand, Brohm completed just 12-of-30 throws for no scores and a pick. The disparity in numbers has forced the Packer brass to defend its position of keeping Brohm as the backup throughout most of the preseason. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has consistently alluded to Brohm’s play in practice as the reason for the current QB rankings. After Thursday's passing numbers (Flynn's 8-of-13 for 77 yards and two TDs vs. Brohm's 7-of-12 for 52 yards), not to mention the 27 yards rushing that Flynn posted, it’s going to take one heck of a practice performance for Brohm to remain the backup QB at the start of the regular season.

Beyond the numbers, Flynn has looked more comfortable, confident and mobile. In a disappointing preseason for the Packers, Flynn was one of the few bright spots -- especially in engineering a last-minute drive as time expired to bring the Packers within a two-point conversion of a tie against Tennessee. Although a close call ended the game and brought on a Green Bay loss, Flynn’s clutch plays on third down -- including a few Vince Youngesque scrambles -- were downright thrilling. If his clutch plays were thrilling, then his last drive was unforgettable. After confidently calling an audible (not too bad for a rookie in preseason) and converting on a few third-and-longs, Flynn scrambled out of the pocket as time expired and delivered a perfect TD strike to WR Jake Allen.

The numbers, the on-field play and, in my opinion, the fan sentiment all favor Flynn as the Packers' second signal-caller going into the regular season. Hopefully for the sake of the team and fans, Packers general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy can muster up enough humility to make the right call.

Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!</i>">Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
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About Nik Sobic

Nik Sobic is a Graduate of Harvard University and former NFL/CFL football player. When he isn't writing about sports he's writing comedy. Nik's unique background and passion for writing make him a valuable addition to our staff. Nik was born and raised a Packer fan-he hails from Milwaukee, WI.
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