Matt Flynn is for real.

And now the entire league knows it. After getting off to a rocky start against the Lions, Flynn rebounded with six touchdowns and 480 yards passing. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his performance was the game-winning drive he assembled with less than two minutes to play. Flynn’s name becomes a hot one as 20 teams begin their offseasons.

 

The Packers can beat good teams without their four best players.

Mike McCarthy beat a hungry Lions club without Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews…in a game that meant virtually nothing for the Packers. Also absent from the field of play were Bryan Bulaga and James Starks. I think Sunday provided the rest of the league with an idea of just how deep Ted Thompson’s roster is.

 

The pass rush may have a different look in the playoffs.

Dom Capers and his staff had the chance to explore their options at outside linebacker against the Lions – and probably got just what they wanted out of it. On the rise: Brad Jones and Vic So’oto. Due to experience, I anticipate Jones getting the bulk of snaps in the Packers’ first playoff game. However, don’t be surprised to see Capers rotate in Frank Zombo, Jamari Lattimore and Erik Walden.

 

Things are shaping up for a busy offseason in Green Bay.

While the Packers are busy preparing to defend their title, the big debate in the media is how Thompson will use the franchise tag once free agency begins in March. Some experts believe that Flynn can fetch first-round pick compensation if he is tagged and then traded by the Packers. The issues with that option include the risk of not finding a trading partner and not resigning pending free agent Jermichael Finley.