Green Bay Packers win, 34-14; Janis, quarterbacks star

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the final 2014 preseason tilt, 34-14, a game dominated by the strong play of quarterbacks Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien, a breakout game from wide receiver Jeff Janis and once again, injuries.

But in the end, it was Head Coach Mike McCarthy who was joking and smiling on the sidelines, despite the fact that he and General Manager Ted Thompson will be very busy over the next couple of days reshaping their roster and breaking it down to 53 men on the roster and 10 on the practice squad.

McCarthy: "That's exactly how you want to finish the preseason. I do t know if I've felt as good coming out of a preseason as I do tonight."
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) August 29, 2014

Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Together, Flynn and Tolzien were 20-of-33 passing for 241 yards and four touchdowns … together, they put up a 122.6 quarterback rating, which will certainly keep us all on pins and needles wondering whether the Packers will keep three quarterbacks or two.

Running back LaDarius Perkins also took advantage of his opportunity tonight, scoring a touchdown on a screen pass from Flynn and running with determination and power. Others who stood out were Jumal Rolle and Jaryone Elliott, playing well enough to secure a spot on the roster.

I also like the fact that safety Chris Banjo, Myles White and Jake Stoneburner showed up and made plays when called on.

Cornerback Ryan White and defensive lineman Josh Boyd didn’t help their chances, while Mike Pennel seemed steady in the middle of the defensive line.

While Janis fielded punts smoothly and had a long kickoff return, the highlight of his night came when he pulled in a 33-yard pitch from Tolzien for a touchdown. Pretty doesn’t describe what the rookie did tonight. Looking a lot like Jordy Nelson with more speed, Janis surely has won a spot on the final roster.

But the talk of the night and into Saturday will be the performances by both Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien. While both had some poor plays, neither of them did anything to reduce their chances of making the team.

Here are their final statistics:

Green Bay Passing

C/ATT

YDS

AVG

INT

SACKS

RTG

S. Tolzien

12/18

139

7.7

1-7

126.9

M. Flynn

7/15

102

6.8

0-0

108.9

Team

19/33

234

6.9

1-7

—

Tolzien seemed sharper and clearly has the stronger arm of the two, but Flynn brings a great understanding of the offense and the experience of winning games in the NFL.

So, how do the Packers decide between these two?

Do they go with just two quarterbacks so they can use the roster spot for another player at another position. If they go that route, one would think they go with the younger, less costly player – that being Tolzien. If they cut Flynn, they could also tap into him if needed during the season because the likelihood of him being picked up by another team is slim, though not out of the question. The risk might be worth cutting him now.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien runs with the ball in front of Kansas City Chiefs safety Kelcie McCray in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 34-14. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Or do they keep all three QBs and give up that roster spot?

I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision.

But with all that said, one has to agree that this has been one of the most competitive and interesting training camps in Green Bay in some time.

This team has shown incredible depth … something that will certainly be of value as the season begins next week at Seattle. When the Packers play the World Champion Seahawks, they will go in knowing that depth will benefit them throughout the year.

Closing out the preseason with a 3-1 record, the Packers finished strong against the Chiefs.

Here are statistics from this final game as we await the roster cuts coming down the pike over the course of this weekend.