It's the Matt Flynn show!

[packrulz]

Here's a shout out to "magic" Matt Flynn! He won the BCS national championship in '08, so big games are nothing new to him, he's had a full week of practice with the starters, he has great wide receivers, and he's ready to go! As long as he doesn't turn the ball over he has a chance. This game is the Packers Super Bowl! Go Matt!

'The Matt Flynn show': Green Bay Packers backup quarterback likely to start Sunday against powerhouse Patriots
BY PETE DOUGHERTY • PDOUGHER@GREENBAYPRESSGAZETTE.COM • DECEMBER 15, 2010
For the first time since 1992, the Green Bay Packers this week probably will have to start their backup quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers is coming off his second concussion of the season last Sunday and likely won’t be cleared to practice at all this week, so his chances of playing Sunday at New England appear remote.

That means third-year pro Matt Flynn probably will be the first Packers backup quarterback to start a game since Brett Favre took over the job from injured Don Majkowski against Pittsburgh on Sept. 27, 1992.

“I don’t think anything changes for us,” receiver Donald Driver said. “You have to have that opportunity where you step in and play. Unfortunately we lose Aaron for this game. It’s the Matt Flynn show now. One thing about Matt, he’s confident in himself that he can play. That was proven when he came in against Detroit (last week), the way he played the game. If he doesn’t throw that interception (in the third quarter) he has a remarkable game.”

Rodgers is well behind in his recovery compared to his previous concussion, sustained on the Packers’ last offensive play at Washington on Oct. 10. The week following that injury, he went through the NFL’s concussion protocol and was cleared for a cardiovascular workout Wednesday, then cleared to practice Thursday, and when he exhibited no symptoms Friday was cleared for the game against Miami.

This week, though, coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers’ chances for practicing by Friday are “slim to none,” which means Friday is the earliest he’s likely to be cleared for the cardio workout.

McCarthy left open the possibility of Rodgers being cleared to play Saturday, and if the injury wasn’t a concussion, it wouldn’t be extraordinary for Rodgers to miss the full week of practice and still play in the game. However, the precarious nature of head injuries – especially of multiple head injuries in a season – and the heightened awareness of concussion recovery mandated by the NFL this year, make it appear unlikely he would play if he couldn’t practice all week.

Rodgers was not even cleared to attend meetings Wednesday. McCarthy said he will decide his playing status Saturday.

“This is clearly a medical decision in Aaron’s best interest,” McCarthy said. “Once we pass that hurdle and that decision is made that he is healthy, then we’ll talk about Aaron Rodgers as part of what is the best football decision.”

That leaves the Packers with the daunting task of facing the hottest and possibly best team in the NFL, the 11-2 New England Patriots, with their backup quarterback.

Flynn will be much better prepared to play than he was last week, when as a mid-game replacement he took the Packers to three points in six possessions and put up a passer rating of 62.5 points (no touchdowns, one interception). This week he’ll take virtually all the snaps with the No. 1 offense in practice,

“(The practice snaps) are extremely valuable,” Flynn said. “I go from getting just a handful of plays during the week to just about all of them. So it’s been good getting the timing with the receivers, small things, like working snap count with the offensive line, everyone’s snap count is a little bit different. So just small things like that. If I get my chance and get in there, I think the timing will be a lot better than it was last week.”

Flynn doesn’t have Rodgers’ arm strength and experience reading defenses, so McCarthy will tailor the Packers’ game plan to what Flynn does best and can assimilate in a week.

“Nobody knows Matt better than (quarterbacks coach) Tom Clements, (offensive coordinator) Joe Philbin and I, and it’s important to make him successful,” McCarthy said. “We’re a quarterback-driven system offensively. We have been since Day 1, and it will be no different when we play Sunday.”

Though the Patriots are hardly the NFL’s best defense – they rank No. 17 in the league in fewest points allowed and No. 27 in fewest yards – they run one of the most diverse defensive schemes in the NFL under coach Bill Belichick. That makes it difficult to predict what Belichick might throw at a young quarterback making his first NFL start, though the assumption is he’ll do everything he can to confuse the neophyte Flynn. The Patriots rank No. 2 in the NFL in interceptions with 20.

“They show a lot of looks on defense, run a lot of coverages, a lot of fronts,” Flynn said. “That’s something I’m going to really have to study, do a lot of film work. We got a good start at it (Tuesday) and (Wednesday). So I’m going to keep looking for it and know there might be something up his sleeve.”

Though Flynn doesn’t have Rodgers’ arm talent, he’s mobile and has shown poise from his first day of training camp in 2008 that helped him win the backup job as a rookie even though he was a seventh-round draft pick and his competition was a second-rounder, Brian Brohm. He also has played under the bright lights, when he was named offensive MVP for leading LSU to a win over Ohio State in the BCS National Championship game as a senior in January ’08.

Flynn has played meaningful snaps only twice in his NFL career – two series at Tampa Bay in ’08 and then a little more than a half last week at Detroit. But the Packers think his national-championship experience and his naturally calm temperament will help cope playing Sunday night in a nationally televised game against possibly the best team in the NFL and the league’s probable MVP this season, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

“He’s played on a big stage before, the national championship, that’s a big stage, millions of people (watching),” Driver said. “The NFL is a totally different level, but you have to have that confidence you can play, and I think he knows he can play. He can play at a high level, I know that.”

Said Flynn: “It’ll be fun, I’m excited about it. I guess I’ve never been one to get real knotted up or nervous, but if the opportunity presents itself I’ll definitely be anxious and excited to go. It’s just one of the things that’s always been my characteristic I guess, just kind of calm no matter what’s going on.”

If Rodgers isn’t cleared this week, the Packers will have to sign Graham Harrell off their practice squad to be their backup quarterback.

If Rodgers doesn’t play this week it’s not a given he’ll be back next week, either.

Last year, Philadelphia Eagles halfback Brian Westbrook missed two games because of a concussion, then suffered another concussion in his first game back that sidelined him the next six games.

More recently, Pittsburgh tight end Heath Miller sustained a concussion Dec. 5 against Baltimore, sat out last week’s game, and is expected to play this week.

“You know (Rodgers) is not playing this week, I think, and you hope he can play next week,” Driver said. “It’s all how you bounce back from it.”

[packrulz]

Here's Tom Brady's interview:

FOXBORO (CBS) – Patriots quarterback Tom Brady held his weekly meeting with reporters in Foxboro Wednesday.
Here’s a full transcript, provided by the Patriots:
Q: What type of challenges do Clay Matthews and the Packers cornerbacks and secondary pose for you?
TB: Quite a bit. Clay Matthews is a hell of a player. [He has] 20 sacks over the last couple of years. He’s had 13.5 this year, 12.5 already. They can rush the passer. And obviously I know a lot about Charles [Woodson]. I played with Charles in college. He was the defensive player of the year last year [and he’s a] great interceptor. Nick Collins is a great interceptor back there. Tramon Williams is a great interceptor. They’ve got a lot of guys who can make plays on the ball. I’m looking forward to this week. It’s one of the best defenses that we’re going to face all year. I think we have a lot of challenges. I think they’re first in scoring or first against the passing offense. What more of a challenge could you want than that?
Q: Can you talk about your 11-2 record, where you are right now, and where you see this team going this game and the games down the road?
TB: Coach always puts it best to us. He says everything that’s happened this year has just provided us with an opportunity. There is nothing set in stone. Yeah, we’re in a good position, but we can be in a bad position really quickly in a span of two or three weeks. So I think we’ve always focused on the challenge this week, and I think that’s served us pretty well. Green Bay is a hell of a challenge for us. [They’re] a very talented team in all three phases of the game and a very dangerous team. They played well last year. They’re playing well this year. [They have a] great quarterback, great offensive scheme, great receivers, and a hell of a defense.
Q: What has Logan Mankins brought to the table? Does he change the mentality of that offensive line?
TB: That’s a great mentality that they have. I think Logan is really a catalyst for what we do up there. He’s a great player for us. He’s tough, he’s physical, he brings really a mean spirit to the group. Logan plays until the echo of the whistle. It goes right up to the end, so he’s always in the middle of some altercation or something like that. If there’s a pile up, I know Logan’s involved. That’s just how he plays. That’s his style, and I think he brings a great element of toughness to our offense.
Q: How does the team continue to excel at this time of year?
TB: This is football season now. It’s not easy anymore to get out of bed and then to come work and then practice. And everyone’s tired and run down and weather is cold, and there are 25 things going on outside of football with the holidays and your family and so forth. This is when the real teams start to shine. I think that the teams that are really committed to doing the right thing on a week in, week out basis, the teams that play the best in December, are the ones that prepare the best. And that preparation is on a week-to-week basis. Once the game ends, it starts all over again. And you’ve got to get up to speed as fast as you can. The game ended in Chicago, the guys got right on to Green Bay and trying to understand what they do, and we’re going to try to out-prepare them this week. I think that’s the goal.
Q: How much do you like this locker room because of that? It seems like for 13 games you guys have been consistent on preparation and getting ready during the week.
TB: Yeah, and I think that’s something consistently that we’ve shown and we’re going to need to continue to show. And I think that’s why you make improvements. We’ve spent a lot of time on the practice field talking about a lot of situations and we’ve gone through quite a few in the games. Sometimes it’s really shown itself; sometimes it hasn’t shown itself. That’s why we’re out here to continue to work at it and prepare for it and prepare for things that maybe we haven’t seen, a new defense that we’re really not very familiar with. We use the entire week for the preparation in order to feel like we can go out and play with a great anticipation and confidence on the weekend.
Q: There are plenty of analysts that look at the Patriots and say that when the weather gets nasty – cold, snow – the Patriots rise up and play some of their best. Why do you think that’s the case?
TB: I don’t know. There are quite a few teams that play pretty well in cold weather, typically the cold weather teams – the guys that practice in it and prepare for it. Look, some games we play well. Last year, we didn’t play very well in the cold. Baltimore kicked the crap out of us in the cold last year. [It] probably has more to do with our level of preparation and commitment and mental toughness and attitude and conditioning. All those things really play a factor. Coach always says the opponent is not the weather. And it’s not. Last week, the opponent was not the weather; the opponent was the Bears. And we had to execute our game plan against them. This week it’s the Packers. I’m sure it’s going to be cold on Sunday night, but whatever it is, we’ll be ready for it.
Q: As a captain, how much was the play to Deion Branch at end of the first half in Chicago your way of saying, ‘We need to have a killer-instinct?’
TB: We’re always trying to do that. It’s just those situations don’t come up so often. I think one thing coach has always talked about is situational football and trying to play well in the situation in the game. And I thought we handled it pretty well. It’s not something you expect. And if those situations come up this week, we’re going to try to take advantage of those as well. You try to catch the defense when they’re really not thinking like we’re thinking. That ended up being a big play in the game. Maybe Green Bay will be prepared for that, though.
Q: How has having Deion Branch and Wes Welker in the lineup changed the complexion of the offense in terms of your options and what you’re able to do by having both of them?
TB: I think they’re both great. They’re great players. They’re extremely consistent, dependable, tough, very skilled. They can run a lot of routes. They have a lot of variation to what they do. We’re always trying to put them in different positions. They both played a huge game last week, and they’re both threats out there. If they’re open, they’re going to get the ball. They both know that. It’s great to have them both.
Q: Bill Belichick has always done a good job of keeping you guys on edge even when you have a good record. Has he had to employ different means to make that happen this season with all the young players?
TB: Not necessarily. I think we give them plenty of ammunition. We give them plenty of reasons. I don’t think he makes anything up. He just tells us the truth. I know everyone wants to get carried away with an 11-2 record, but I don’t think any of us are really carried away. I think we’re trying to go about our business and trying to become a better football team this week.
Q: Could you give me an example of how Bill Belichick keeps you from getting away from that?
TB: It’s just on a day-to-day basis with him. Basically, when we don’t do things right, he let’s us know. There is nobody that’s off the hook. He holds us accountable on every single play and every single day. When we come into a meeting at 8:00 a.m. on a Wednesday morning and he’s got questions, 50 questions about the team that we’re going to play. We haven’t had a meeting about the Packers or the Bears, but he’s got questions. And basically, he’s trying to make sure that on Monday and Tuesday, we’re doing what we need to do to be prepared for Wednesday morning. It’s pretty embarrassing if everybody is getting their questions right that he’s asking them and then he asks you, and you really don’t know the answer. So everyone prepares pretty hard on Monday and Tuesday for his meetings on Wednesday. And that’s the way it goes on Thursday. And ultimately on Sunday when that’s our test for the week, when we come in Monday morning, he puts the tape on, and if you’re not playing the way he expects you to play, you’re held accountable. And I think that’s the greatest thing about playing here. When you’re a player, you don’t have to ever hold your teammates accountable. The coach does that. And I think that’s why everyone respects him so much. He coaches an 11-year veteran quarterback just the same way that he teaches a rookie tight end.
Q: Aside for the fact that you guys are scoring a ton of points, are there any similarities to 2007 as far as the way you guys are doing things?
TB: That’s our job to score. We’re trying to score. We should have scored more points against the Bears, but we sucked in the red area. You go two of five in the red area; we’ve got to get better in that area. Look, everyone looks at a great win, but I look at us like, ‘Man, we kind of screwed some things up there.’ I really do. When we’re in a tight game, we better score in the red area. That could be this week. And I think that’s what we go out and try to prepare for. We don’t treat, ‘Okay, that was a great win. Everything is great. Let’s just move on to next week.’ No, we’re trying to make improvements.
Q: You talked about a lack of mental toughness in the offseason. Obviously, this team has changed. How do you see that has changed? Do you think your little prodding helped or is just with experience?
TB: Our coaches hold us accountable, and the players respond. I think there is a good mix of players in here that really are listening to what our coaches teach. He wants us to be a smart, tough, physical football team that plays well under pressure. He preaches that to us. Every day that we come in, that’s what we’re trying to be. Guys take the coaching, and we listen to the best coach of all time. Hopefully you learn something.

[mraynrand]

Red area? Really? Sounds like an infection

[RashanGary]

I'd love it if Flynn plays out of his gord (280 yards, 3 TD's, 0 INT's). Then we can trade him for a 1st round pick in the offseason.

[bobblehead]

I'd love it if Flynn plays out of his gord (280 yards, 3 TD's, 0 INT's). Then we can trade him for a 1st round pick in the offseason.

Would you want to trade him so quickly if he plays a couple great games to end the season here? wouldn't you hold him for another year to watch how Aaron gets through next year concussion wise?

[sheepshead]

I'd love it if Flynn plays out of his gord (280 yards, 3 TD's, 0 INT's). Then we can trade him for a 1st round pick in the offseason.

Exactly, there will be plenty of eyes on him during these weeks. I know he's highly regarded among certain scouts.

[denverYooper]

Would you want to trade him so quickly if he plays a couple great games to end the season here? wouldn't you hold him for another year to watch how Aaron gets through next year concussion wise?

Agreed.

[denverYooper]

It's just too damn bad that wasn't Kittrick Taylor in the endzone last week. Woulda been a TD for sure.

[denverYooper]

I like that Flynn gets the ball out of his hand quicker than Rodgers. Not as much zip, but he doesn't look like he's overthinking things.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I like that Flynn gets the ball out of his hand quicker than Rodgers. Not as much zip, but he doesn't look like he's overthinking things.

What?

[gbgary]

http://phoenix.fanster.com/theshowtobenamedlater/files/2009/09/burnt-toast-2.jpg

[denverYooper]

What?

Rodgers hangs on to the ball too long sometimes, looking for a play.

[Tony Oday]

Flynn is undefeated in regular season starts in the NFL think about THAT!

[MadtownPacker]

Well at least he is White. I dont like the QB not being White.

[Tarlam!]

Flynn is undefeated in regular season starts in the NFL think about THAT!

OK, now, you're gonna lol, but I actually stopped to think about it. Bastard!

[Fritz]

I dunno about that lack of arm strength. I watched him in pre-game warmups last week, and he was zipping that damn ball forty yards.

[denverYooper]

Flynn has faced improbable odds before!

http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/950/950905/tron-2-20090204042313831.jpg

[sharpe1027]

Flynn has faced improbable odds before!

http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/950/950905/tron-2-20090204042313831.jpg

Greetings program.

[The Weasel]

I like that Flynn gets the ball out of his hand quicker than Rodgers. Not as much zip, but he doesn't look like he's overthinking things.

You're right, just overthrowing.

[SlimPickens]

Flingin Flynn

[mraynrand]

Flynn has faced improbable odds before!

http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/950/950905/tron-2-20090204042313831.jpg

That looks like Manning in the COLTS alternative uni. Ghey all the way...

[CaptainKickass]

.

Remember what happened to the last QB the Pack had who was nicknamed "Magic/Majik"? We don't need to see a repeat of that.

I keep saying "He's in like....well...himself"

But that's really only mildly funny once.

Hopefully - we will see "The Flynn Effect" which as near as I can tell describes a 20 point increase in IQ.

Let's hope the whole team from admin to players has a resulting 20 point IQ increase as a result of "The Flynn Effect"

From Here:http://www.molwick.com/en/iq-study/0q20-flynn-effect.html#texto


2. Flynn effect and other statistical studies

In any case, the Flynn effect shows and increase in intelligent quotients in different countries. The results of the Flynn effect are accepted.
The problem is with the reasons, causes and interpretation of the facts presented by the Flynn effect.

2.e) Flynn effect and complex econometric models

In my opinion, it is not surprising that, if we are already working with strongly correlated variables and we add a certain feedback, high statistical results can be reached.
On the other hand, this article tries to explain the observed Flynn effect or gain in IQ throughout different generations, specifically, the 20 point increase that occurred between 1952 and 1982 in some countries.

[Patler]

Rodgers hangs on to the ball too long sometimes, looking for a play.

That has been made much too much of.

[denverYooper]

That has been made much too much of.

Ya. I was just digging for a reason to be positive about Flynn.

[bobblehead]

That has been made much too much of.

I disagree. Its his only fault from what I can tell is that he holds the ball too long at times. I won't speculate why, looking for a play, game is still a bit fast for his innate vision (for lack of a better term), is deathly afraid of interceptions after studying under favre. Whatever, the man does hold the ball sometimes when I'm screaming "throw it into the stands".....now sometimes I scream that right before he makes a big play admittedly.

[Kiwon]

Flynn against the Pats. That's a heck of the way to make your first NFL start.

Oh, well, there is always hoping for miracles.

[Pugger]

I disagree. Its his only fault from what I can tell is that he holds the ball too long at times. I won't speculate why, looking for a play, game is still a bit fast for his innate vision (for lack of a better term), is deathly afraid of interceptions after studying under favre. Whatever, the man does hold the ball sometimes when I'm screaming "throw it into the stands".....now sometimes I scream that right before he makes a big play admittedly.

If this is Rodgers' biggest fault I think most of us can live with that. At least he doesn't turn the ball over as much as his predecessor did.

[Tarlam!]

If this is Rodgers' biggest fault I think most of us can live with that. At least he doesn't turn the ball over as much as his predecessor did.

I agree, but also disagree. He's better this year by far, but he still infuriates me when he cops a sack for taking too long. I hate seeing it, and it's outright career-threatening; I don't think most of us can live with that. But he is far better at T/Os, which I'm sure all fans are delighted about.

He and M3 need to agree on an inner clock count to get rid of the ball and stick to it regardless. But M3 needs to call a more strategic game, IMO.

[Patler]

Rodgers hangs on to the ball too long sometimes, looking for a play.


That has been made much too much of.


I disagree. Its his only fault from what I can tell is that he holds the ball too long at times. I won't speculate why, looking for a play, game is still a bit fast for his innate vision (for lack of a better term), is deathly afraid of interceptions after studying under favre. Whatever, the man does hold the ball sometimes when I'm screaming "throw it into the stands".....now sometimes I scream that right before he makes a big play admittedly.


I agree, but also disagree. He's better this year by far, but he still infuriates me when he cops a sack for taking too long. I hate seeing it, and it's outright career-threatening; I don't think most of us can live with that. But he is far better at T/Os, which I'm sure all fans are delighted about.

He and M3 need to agree on an inner clock count to get rid of the ball and stick to it regardless. But M3 needs to call a more strategic game, IMO.

I agree that he does hold the ball "too long" sometimes, I just don't think it is that big of a problem that he does. Sometimes it results in him completing a late pass, sometimes it results in him running for a decent gain after holding the ball a long time. Both of those are good outcomes from having held the ball "too long". On some occasions he holds the ball "too long", and still ends up throwing it away. In that situation, holding the ball "too long" has no effect. Only infrequently does holding the ball "too long" result in a sack when he could have thrown the ball away. I think those are relatively infrequent and are more than offset by Rodgers not having made a rash decision and thrown an interception.

[bobblehead]

I'm not disagreeing with your conclusion Patler. When you said too much was made of it, I took it as you thought it was overstated, not that it wasn't such a big deal. I, too, can live with it. Every QB has weaknesses (except tom brady, fucker even has great hair and model looks).

[Patler]

I'm not disagreeing with your conclusion Patler. When you said too much was made of it, I took it as you thought it was overstated, not that it wasn't such a big deal. I, too, can live with it. Every QB has weaknesses (except tom brady, fucker even has great hair and model looks).

Ya, I thought you took it that way, so I explained myself better.

If the Packers can ever put together a line like they had when Sherman was there, Rodgers will have some mammoth seasons. Every now and then you can tell that he is uncomfortable with his protection. If he can ever just drop back and not worry about his protection, it will be something to watch. Of course, by then the Packers probably won't have a decent receiver on the team!

[packrulz]

I'm not disagreeing with your conclusion Patler. When you said too much was made of it, I took it as you thought it was overstated, not that it wasn't such a big deal. I, too, can live with it. Every QB has weaknesses (except tom brady, fucker even has great hair and model looks).
And a Victoria's Secret supermodel for a wife.

[rbaloha1]

Expect Flynn to be okay since he is receiving majority of reps. However Belchek shall have some confusing schemes leading to turnovers.

Overall expect a rough day.

[Pugger]

I'd rather Rodgers take the sack than turn it over.

[rbaloha1]

TT's decision not to secure a more seasoned veteran may hurt this season. Expecting AR to have a Favre streak is ridiculous.

[denverYooper]

Yeah. It's too bad Todd Collins isn't starting tonight.

[rbaloha1]

Yeah. It's too bad Todd Collins isn't starting tonight.

Exactly or Jeff Garcia.

[MJZiggy]

Exactly or Jeff Garcia. At least then you could all think about his hot wife while we go down in flames...

[rbaloha1]

At least then you could all think about his hot wife while we go down in flames...

Garcia or Flynn against the Pats? Hmm.

[Bretsky]

Garcia or Flynn against the Pats? Hmm.


This is a very good point.........one most in here will not even consider acknowledging............but..........if you watch NFL Network, ESPN, and listen to Sirius all of the non homers are questioning this...especially if AROD is out for an extended period.

We most likely lose tonight regardless....what what about the Lions...the Giants...Bears.....on the NFL Network last night one announcer noted we were playing Roulette with a questionable OL and it might have caught up with us............hmmmmmmmmm

[denverYooper]

This is a very good point.........one most in here will not even consider acknowledging............but..........if you watch NFL Network, ESPN, and listen to Sirius all of the non homers are questioning this...especially if AROD is out for an extended period.

We most likely lose tonight regardless....what what about the Lions...the Giants...Bears.....on the NFL Network last night one announcer noted we were playing Roulette with a questionable OL and it might have caught up with us............hmmmmmmmmm

Did they mention that the Bears OLine stinks?

[Patler]

Many people doubted Rodgers before he had his chance. TT and MM were adamant that he was ready.
Sounded an awful lot like what we are hearing now about Flynn.
Will the Packers' brain trust be right this time, too?

I suspect Flynn will have three games to answer that question, because I do not expect Rodgers to be back in the regular season.

[denverYooper]

Many people doubted Rodgers before he had his chance. TT and MM were adamant that he was ready.
Sounded an awful lot like what we are hearing now about Flynn.
Will the Packers' brain trust be right this time, too?

I suspect Flynn will have three games to answer that question, because I do not expect Rodgers to be back in the regular season.

If there is one thing I will trust MM on, it is working with QBs. I think the chances are pretty good of Flynn being more than serviceable.

[rbaloha1]

If there is one thing I will trust MM on, it is working with QBs. I think the chances are pretty good of Flynn being more than serviceable.

Agreed but not enough to win games.