Seattle Seahawks: Why Matt Flynn Will Dominate NFC West

At this point, the knocks against Matt Flynn are known and understandable.

Since 2003, he has only started 16 games, 14 of which were in college. A backup until this point, much of his reputation so far comes from two pro starts and very positive assessments from management. Similar experiments like Charlie Whitehurst and Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb don't inspire confidence. 

Despite the validity of these points, Seahawks fans have just as many reasons to be excited about the talented and highly-revered youngster.

In his two professional starts, Flynn looked like an absolute star, and set two Green Bay franchise records for yards and touchdowns in a single game. Savvy beyond his years, Flynn and the Seahawks have the ability to make 2012 a "very special" year for 'Hawks fans.

Here's why.

His Similarities to Matt Hasselbeck

Since Matt Hasselbeck's departure in 2011, the Seahawks have searched for a viable replacement to assume the mantle of "franchise quarterback." In Flynn, they may have found one, which makes sense when considering that they looked in almost the exact same place.

In 2001, the Seahawks acquired the relatively unknown Hasselbeck from the Green Bay Packers. Toiling as a backup behind a future Hall of Famer, he came unproven but highly regarded by management from both teams as a game manager with a strong mind and instincts.

A sixth-round pick, he arrived as a bargain, with low expectations and little explanation beyond the opinion of management as to what made him capable to become the leader of a franchise. 

If that description sounds familiar, it should.

The eerily-similar career arcs of Flynn and Hasselbeck should inspire hope in Seahawks fans. Hasselbeck went on to lead the team to the first Super Bowl in the team's history, and provided the team with an efficient, consistent starter for almost 10 years.

If Flynn can develop in a similar way, he could be the final piece in a budding Seahawks dynasty that includes a talented young defense and receiving corps. 

He is Surrounded by a Strong Base of Talent

Flynn's inexperience and need to adjust to a new system will mean that he will require plenty of growing time to fully immerse himself cohesively in the Seahawks' offense. Lucky for him, he will have all the help he needs in the form of a workhorse running back.

Coming off a tremendous 2011, Marshawn Lynch's ability to shoulder heavy workloads will not only allow Flynn proper time to become comfortable with the system, but also draw and distract defenses away from Flynn and the still-developing passing game.

In addition, Flynn inherits a talented and dynamic core of receivers. Doug Baldwin, the undrafted free agent who led the team in both receptions and yards in a breakout 2011, will join Sidney Rice and Mike Williams on the line, creating a rather dangerous crew of targets for Flynn.

Flynn will also have an attractive option at tight end with Zach Miller. Miller's role was limited last year, but he has shown promise and could easily develop into a security blanket for Flynn as the season progresses. 

With such a strong group of talent surrounding him, Flynn will be able to avoid some of the pressure put upon him to produce immediately, and allow him the ability to become acquainted at his own pace.

He Has Been Groomed in a Similar System

Although Flynn arrives in Seattle a newcomer, he may have an easier time becoming comfortable in the offense than you might imagine.

Darrell Bevell, Seattle's offensive coordinator, spent time with Green Bay before his current occupation, and runs a West Coast offense similar to the one Flynn was developed under. Mike McCarthy, the Packers' current coach, has praised his game management and said that Flynn "does a very good job of running the system." 

Not only did Flynn learn in a similar system, he also learned from perhaps the best teacher in the league. Aaron Rodgers' backup for the two years he's been in the league, Flynn had the ability to shadow the best example of how to be an effective NFL quarterback.

If his two professional starts were any indication, Flynn appears to be able to thrive in an offense similar to what Seattle will run this year, making his transition very smooth. Combined with the added security provided by Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, this should give Flynn the confidence and comfort level necessary to succeed in Seattle. 

When He's Been Given the Chance, He's Thrived

Flynn's career so far has been a game of patience and waiting. At LSU, he waited in the wings for four years behind JaMarcus Russell before being given the opportunity to start as a fifth-year senior. He responded by taking them to the BCS National Championship, where they won 38-24 over Ohio State.

After being drafted in the seventh round by Green Bay, Flynn started back at the bottom, sitting third on the depth chart behind Aaron Rodgers and fellow draft pick Brian Brohm. After working his way to behind Rodgers, he seized his opportunity to shine after Rodgers wasn't cleared to play against the Patriots in 2010. 

Flynn played well, but was still stuck behind Rodgers in Green Bay until Week 17 of last year, when Rodgers was rested for the playoffs. Flynn once again responded well to the spotlight, throwing for a franchise-record 480 yards and six touchdowns and outplaying Matthew Stafford and the Lions on the way to a 45-41 victory. 

If Flynn can react in a similar manner to his first chance at being a starting quarterback since 2007, the former LSU Tiger should be geared for up for a big year with the 'Hawks.

Flynn already has the pedigree, knowledge and surrounding talent necessary for him to succeed in a big way for the Seahawks in 2012, so only one thing remains to be seen:

Will he successfully seize the massive opportunity in front of him?