Following the loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day, the Oakland Raiders had played three different quarterbacks under center this season. Matt Flynn was originally considered to be the undisputed starter in the off-season until Terrelle Pryor emerged as the better option.
After eight starts for Pryor, and knee injury that forced him out against the Houston Texans, rookie Matt McGloin was given the nod and took advantage of his time on the field against the best defense in the NFL. McGloin threw three touchdowns and led the Raiders to victory while creating a quarterback controversy once again.
Although McGloin has been named the starter moving forward, the rookie has been unable to lead the team to victory since beating the Texans, but has played well and still seems to be the better option over Pryor.
Fortunately for Pryor, the verdict may not be out on the Ohio State product with head coach Dennis Allen saying the following via Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times:
“I don’t think he’s done anything to play himself out of that position.”
With
the Raiders having a considerable amount of cap space during the upcoming off-season, a lot of changes may be made in order to finally right the ship in Oakland. Even the coaching staff might not be safe with talk of Jon Gruden potentially considering a return and favoring the Raiders and Atlanta Falcons as possible destinations.
There’s no question Pryor is talented and may have a bright future as a quarterback in the NFL. Although that may be the case, Pryor is raw and needs a lot of polishing in terms of being an efficient pocket passer like McGloin has shown he can be.
Needless to say, McGloin being the starter under center for the Raiders is not set in stone. The rookie may have played much better than expected, but still has only accounted for one win in three starts.
