FOXBORO, Mass. — Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn isn’t very well known around New England, just as anonymous as any Sully, Smitty or Fitzy down the block.
The difference, though, is that Sully won’t be starting for the Packers on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. While the world awaits the official prognosis on Green Bay starter Aaron Rodgers — he’s listed as doubtful after not practicing all week because of a concussion — Patriots fans have been scrounging to figure out what this Flynn guy is going to bring to the table.
The Patriots have done their work on Flynn, who only attempted 20 passes in three career seasons before relieving Rodgers last week. They’ve got tape on Flynn from the preseason and have kept a heavy eye on that Detroit game.
One Patriot, however, knows Flynn better than the rest. Cornerback Chevis Jackson, who was signed last week in the corresponding roster move to Brandon Spikes‘ suspension, won a national championship with Flynn at LSU, and they were both in the 2008 draft class.
Jackson had nothing but good things to say about Flynn, who took over at LSU for JaMarcus Russell and led the Tigers to the title in his only season as the starter. Jackson pointed to Flynn’s intangibles, such as his leadership and winning ability.
“He’s a big part of the reason we won the championship that year,” Jackson said. “He’s a winner. He leads his team. He’s a nice guy. What can you say about him? He was in college for a couple years behind JaMarcus, and the year JaMarcus left, we won the national championship.
“He’s a good guy. He helped us win. He did what he had to do, what the coaches asked him to do. There’s not much else you can say about him. He’s a good competitor. He wins.”
