Packers need veteran backup QB

The Green Bay Packers are poised to make a Super Bowl run and at almost every position they are well stocked. They are however, woefully understocked at one key position – backup quarterback. For whatever reason, the Packers staff is in love with their 2008 seventh-round draft pick out of LSU Matt Flynn. Why I have no idea.

I have never liked this weak-armed so-called smart player that has done everything we’ve asked of him. Well, if the Packers need Flynn to come in and win a game or two during a short-term injury to Aaron Rodgers, their playoff hopes are done. If Rodgers gets hurt opening day and is lost for the year the Packers would be lucky to win five games. Unless you are a running team, you can’t win with a player like Flynn at quarterback.

The Packers season has already been labeled “Super Bowl or Die” so to go into the season without a veteran quarterback is simply inexcusable. There were a number of veteran QBs the Packers could have trained to win a game or two, guys like Derek Anderson, Mark Brunell or Rex Grossman, who would have been my choice. I’d even take Daunte Culpepper at this point.

I would not be surprised if Graham Harrell looks better in the pre-season games than Flynn does. Then what do the Packers do? I wonder what Doug Pederson is doing these days? I know it seems like quarterbacks don’t get hurt in Green Bay, but the second you don’t prepare for it is the second it happens. I don’t want to jinx Rodgers, but I don’t think Flynn can play. The Packers need to sign a veteran signal caller, the risk not having one is too great.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 11:16 pm and is filed under Al Davis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Steve Cheez

    Look what Earl Morrall did

  • scotts

    When was the last season the Packers had a veteran back-up QB? Uh, never? I think they’ve done just fine in the past.

  • scotts

    Sorry, I forgot about Jim Mcmahon. But still, Packer back-up QB’s have always been young and unproven. Many have become starters when they got the chance.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    We had Brunnell, McMahan, Peterson then some very talented young QB’s. Does Flynn equal any of these guys. At the very least he should get more competition than Harrell, a raw rookie.

  • Monty

    Al, while I agree with you, veteran QB’s cost money, Ted doesnt like to spend money, end of statement. Ted is one of those guys that has to be shown he is wrong, like last year with the OL, this year he signs Clifton and Tauscher. Until Rogers goes down and Flynn proves he cant win, it will stay the same. I think we have other positions similar to QB. Who runs the ball if Grant goes down? Who steps in at CB if Woodson or Williams goes down. Dont even get me started on ST, while Crosby is better than most kickers, he still is missing the important FG’s. No kick returner, Punter is a joke. Why we got rid of Jon Ryan, but then we know why, MM choice of ST coach that year…..sorry until we actually beat the Eagles in Philly (has not been done since 1962) and we beat the Vikings with or without the Drama Queen (I use to be a fan, but now Im so sick of his face all over the news) our season will just be another season. Until Ted opens the purse a bit for some decent veteran FA’s whether they play back up or start, we will not be in the Super Bowl. Besides, Rogers wears the wrong number, a Packer QB with the #12 has never won anything……

  • Mel e Mel

    Culpepper was offered 1 million and declined it. Most vet Qbs worth their salt, think they can still start like Jeff Garcia. Its a 2 way street : Hey FA QB do you want to come to GB and ride the bench? Thats not a duty most want. Brian Brohm didnt pan out, and thats is a hole in the lineup.

  • Steve Cheez

    You can’t have Culpepper: he’s now the pride and joy of our Sacramento Mountain Lions!

  • Curtis

    Well, most people felt the same way when Favre was starting and had only Rodgers behind him. Hard to believe now but I would say 50% or more of Packer’s fans didn’t think Rodgers would amount to anything…I trust McCarthy’s judgement of QBs more than I do just about anyones. He is an elite QB coach. Flynn has played well in pre-season games and there is no reason to believe he couldn’t play better than Rex Grossman. As I remember Rodgers shocked a bunch of people when he replaced an injured Favre in that Dallas game. Flynn may not be a pro-bowl QB, but with 3 years in our offensive system I would rather have him than any of the vets you mentioned.

  • Rick

    Al brings up a valid point about QB depth. There are very very few QBs that are NFL starter caliber. Not even really enough to fill the 32 positions on the teams as is let alone a starter caliber on the bench.

    I also agree that a previously in game experienced QB like Grossman would be nice to have. That said I look at Kyle Orton. A back up that stepped in and ran a ball control West Coast offense. He was not a threat offensively but not a liability on the Bears. Over the years he has improved his release and understanding of the offense and has become a starter in the NFL.

    We need to remember we also do not have a rookie back up anymore We have a solid QB that knows the offense, knows the play book, runs scout teams like a man possesed, and has been in the QB class with this coaching staff for multipe years. Is he a gun slinger with a cannon arm… no, but he adds solid depth and a solid strength arm in a very important position and does so on a very good budget.

    He can run our West Coast offense and he has won almost every game he has played in since he was in youth leagues. Heck he won a national championship and was the MVP of the National Championship game. His release is better and his release point is higher then when we drafted him. Will we bring in competition to challenge Matt? Heck yes, but like Doug Pederson, he is here until he retires or we find someone better.

  • Reid

    I’m really glad we are one of the teams who worries about our back-up quarterback and not our starting quarterback. We have numerous positions that would put us in jeopardy if we lost the starter after the cuts are made and the season starts: Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, Ryan Grant, Greg Jennings, and maybe even Mason Crosby. While none are as ultimately valuable as the QB, let’s be realistic, it would really hurt. It’s a good problem to have, worrying about back-ups instead of starters.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Monty, now I see why you’re a Packer fan; good solid analysis man. So our back-up QB doesn’t have a cannon arm, Rick. You are right about his qualities and MM did get Rodgers ready for a staring role. Seems to me I remember another guy, about 40 years ago, that didn’t have a cannon arm either.
    An asset to be sure, but a good head and accuracy overweigh that 60 yds in the air crap that only looks good when it connects. Like Woody said, “Only three things can happen when you throw the ball, and two of them are bad”.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    LT, Woody wasn’t dealing with NFL rules and talent. Backup QB isn’t as much of a priority now that #12 has proven he can survive a bad line. And, that line should be improved. But I think we could use a veteran QB and there should be some available off waivers if Flynn isn’t ready to show some progress. So far he’s been ineffective.

  • Mel e Mel

    The Saints,Colts,Chargers,Jets,Bengals, and Patriots all have the same problem.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Can’t argue with any of that, Mark. But still; doesn’t change the ratio even if your QB throws at a 65 to 70% completion rate. Ball control, man!
    Historically, its like comparing the old 49ers west coast to the Cowboy trio balance of the 80s. I guess you just takes your poison. The exciting fast explosiveness of the passing game or the cloud of dust grind it out keep the clock on your side game.

  • Rick

    Lets approach this a different direction on back ups.
    Lets say Week 4 injury and we lose our starting QB.

    Do you want a 3 year in league guy with solid arm that knows the system and playbook and has high completion percentage to step in? Or, hire a NFL game experienced QB like Grossman or a Kyle Boller type- close but no cigar as a starter but has game experience to step in and game tape of what they bring to the table?

    At first I was for a Veteran QB for the game experience, but the more I look at it I still feel like we have our Pederson on the team again. A solid roleplayer that does the work we ask and does it well. We can keep bringing in QBs to challenge for the #2 spot with out ever threating Rodgers place. Only carrying two QBs allows us to carry an extra player on the roster. Kind of like what the Colts do. Great starter, solid roleplayer to back Peyton up and they carry an extra DL lineman so they can keep the pass rush up through out the game with fresh legs.

    • Packer’s Advocate

      I’ll add, that some of it depends on the team that the back-up QB plays on. Matt Cassel, for example, had a good team around him. The D was good enough to cover mistakes til he grew into the spot. Flynn seems to be a winner and w/3 years now, it should show up in preseason. I expect him to look decent this year.

  • Reid

    I agree we stick with Flynn until he proves he can’t play (like Brohm did). Why waste $$ on it?

    On another note, so we were $20M or something like that under the salary cap last year and the GBP made $5M net? Any discussion on the financial side here?

    • Rick

      That is why I am so happy that there are so many Packer fans that spend the money and support the team. We barely stayed in the black and we did not spend all of our salary cap and we received extra money for a playoff game appearance.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    The point is that Flynn hasn’t shown anything yet. The pre-season games he’s been in he’s played poorly. Poorly doesn’t get it done. Rick says he’s a high percentage completion guy. Not so far. Somebody give me a game stat you can be happy about. If he was a Peterson I wouldn’t be so concerned.

    • Rick

      Flynn’s reputation among scouts for being a “gamer” was reflected in the exhibition season last year. His passer rating was 100.2 and he scrambled five times for 28 yards

      from JS online

      • Rick

        On Tuesday morning, Flynn completed a series of passes in a move-the-ball period that showcased his increased arm strength and growing level of comfort in the pocket.

        “I told him afterward, ‘You’re playing with a lot more velocity,’ ” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We teach them to play with their legs and their hips. Those three throws that he made were clearly, clearly an improvement from last year.”

        As much as personnel people admired Flynn for taking LSU to the national championship in January 2008, many had reservations about his arm and how his scrambling, tough-guy style would fit in the NFL.

        “When he was at LSU, of course he was a great leader and everything like that,” said fullback Quinn Johnson, a teammate of Flynn’s from 2004-’07. “But when I got here, his mechanics and everything, just a completely different player. His arm used to be good but it was nothing like now.”

        Using tips from McCarthy and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements plus NFL-style weight-training, Rodgers now can hum a football much tighter and faster than he did in 2005.

        Flynn has had the benefit of just two of McCarthy’s “quarterbacks schools” but has taken advantage. He understands the knocks about his arm coming into the draft and was determined to improve.

        “I worked a lot getting more body into it,” he said. “I’ve always considered myself to be a passer, and that’s the NFL game. I feel like I’m throwing a little bit harder and more accurate.”

        also from JS online

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Rick, that doesn’t sound too bad. My recollection is his being injured, possibly from one of those scrambles, and Brohm getting more playing time. The good news is we’ll get to see much more this pre-season and I hope he pans out.

    • Rick

      As I said. The more I looked at him the better I feel as Flynn as an affordable solid backup. I hope he pans out or really makes another QB really have to step up to be the #2. Either way that is good for the pack.

  • Packer’s Advocate

    Came across the story you mentioned Mel e Mel. Seems weird that the media wouldn’t be having a frenzy w/something like this. I found it on deadspin.com though. Seems just a little too wierd to be true. Farve sending dick pics to the Jet’s lady reporter…………………. Just can’t see it!!!

  • Packer’s Advocate

    And DD gets a contract extension…………….. taking care of the good soldiers!!

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    I agree with your thesis, Rick. At the same time I know teams can win with a dependable(or super) running game, a journeyman QB, and a great to super D. Franchise QBs are so hard to come by and it probably averages out to about 10 in the league at any one time. RBs don’t usually last as long, but there are a heck of a lot more of them. A lot easier to pick up those OGs and OTs too.
    Keep in mind we are a prime example of my thesis in that we had a super QB for 16 years and only one it once when we had the super D (or, should I say REGGIE).

    • Rick

      Let have a little fun just using the Super Bowl winners. Does the Elite QB with and without a top ranked defense win the SuperBowl vs. journey man QBs with a top defense.

      1998 Elway and strong defense. 1pt Rick
      1999 Elway and strong defense. 1pt Rick
      2000 Warner and greatest show on turf 1pt Rick (Just outscore em baby!!)
      2001 #1 Ravens D and journeyman QB 1pt LT
      2002 Brady and strong defense 1pt Rick
      2003 Older veteran QB and Tampas #1 defense 1 pt LT
      2004 Brady and strong defense 1pt Rick
      2005 Brady and strong defense 1 pt Rick
      2006 Rothelsburger and top defense 1pt Rick
      2007 Peyton Manning and average defense 1pt Rick
      2008 Eli Manning and top ranked defense 1pt LT ( I don’t consider Eli an elite QB)
      2009 Rothelsburger and top Defense 1pt Rick
      2010 Brees and a solid defense 1pt Rick

      Total Rick=10 LT=3 on the “Great QBs win the Super Bowl” challenge since 1996 Packers Super Bowl.

      It looks like an excellent defense can get you to the playoffs and so can an elite QB but we are both right as it generally take both to win.

      Do we have that, a top defense and an elite level QB? I think so.

      • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

        Interesting – however, (and this IS fun) Crybaby Elway like Favre didn’t win squat (my word) w/o a great D and excellent run game. By squat I mean they both are HOFers because of longevity, not SB wins. Brady, not HOF #s but oh, those intangebles that make him a winner. The only other HOFer, and what I call “Franchise” guy included on your list (again, my opinion) would be Manning (Peyton, not Eli).
        I can’t debate w/you on the #s specific ’cause just too much out there since ’67 and #s can prove anything you want them to. I’ve just see a lot more D/RB combos win than HOF QBs doing it by themselves. I realize you didn’t say they did IT by themselves, but there are a lot of HOF QBs than won only one or less SBs.
        Shoot, I’m rambling – point is just my druthers. I think RBs (ie, Hornung/Taylor, Brown, Payton, Sanders, Smith, etc. are more my style and I don’t think you can win without them. Grant getting mighty fine write ups, like a man with a mission!

  • iccyfan

    I hope we don’t have to see Flynn as the starting QB this season, but if we do, I’m confident he’ll be the next coming of Frank Reich. I was uncomfortable with rookies Flynn & Brohm two years ago, but Flynn with two years of QB school under his belt should be fine if called upon for a short-term stint.

    I’d much rather have a young guy looking to impress than a Mark Brunell hanging on for a paycheck.

  • monkeon

    Matt Flynn doesn’t seem to be the answer either from what I saw tonight at the scrimmage.

    Rodgers looked great.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    If Flynn doesn’t pan out let’s not kid ourselves. It’s time for him to produce or be replaced.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    iccy, Morrall and Blanda were just hanging on for a paycheck. Same with Warner and Kerry Collins. It would be cheaper and more valuable to develop someone young for trade bait. But however we do it we need someone who can be productive.

    • iccyfan

      You know Mark, the Earl Morrall story has always intrigued me. One would think he must have been a very good QB, given that he basically led both the Colts and Dolphins to Superbowl apppearances when the starter(s) were injured. Was he just unlucky to be stuck behind the likes of Unitas & Griese, or was he content to be a career backup?

      Who knows what in the heck NFL teams were thinking when it came to Kurt Warner; please – Eli Manning and Matt Leinart couldn’t hold his jock! As a native Iowan I’m admittedly biased, but Warner should be in the HOF someday…

      I’ll see your Earl Morrall and raise you Steve Fuller, who filled in for Jim McMahon during the Bears 1985 season. Matt Flynn > Steve Fuller, as evidence the Packers don’t need to bring in a veteran.

      I’m obviously in the minority on this topic – what veteran QB’s do people desire be added to our roster?

  • KurtMc

    In a highly promissing Superbowl year, Flynn can’t be the answer. This kind of rounded out team does’t come around that often. GB should spend a little for the insurance. TT might not like to spend, but the organization would benifit handsomely in revenue IF GB makes the Superbowl. Risk/Reward ratio.

    If the tem wasn’t this close, I’d agree to keep Flynn & see how he develops, roll the dice on AR not getting injured.

    Now, my $.02, the stakes are just too high.

    I think, but don’t have the stat’s ot back it up, the spread of getting into the playoff’s is ~1.5 games. Not to mention HOME Field.

    MM & TT, Find & Sign the insurance back-up please!!!

  • jonnyfootballhero

    I have to admit that I wasn’t watching the scrimmage that closely last night. But, for the most part I did like what I saw, especially from the younger secondary guys.
    I was wondering if anyone noticed if Justin Harrell played at all? I didn’t see him, but like I said, I wasn’t watching that closely. I’m hoping the guy does well and becomes a force on the D-line this year. Anyones insight would be appreciated.

  • Steve Cheez

    Slocum said it was a good sign for the STs that Jackson took one to the house. Maybe I’m just a glass-half-empty guy, but couldn’t that also be seen as us not being able to stop somebody who has never really run back a kick before?

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    For what its worth count me in with Iccy and Rick on this one. Flynn is not a rookie anymore. We’ve almost always had backup QBs that never played going all the way back to probably the best in Bratkowski. Must be the water. Anybody remember who replaced Dickey, I don’t?

    • Steve Cheez

      David Whitehurst? Randy Wright? Mike Tomczak?
      Point taken…

      • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

        Heh, heh, Steve; I did think of one though, didn’t Favre replace an injured Majic?