Terrelle Pryor’s Versatility at QB Gives Raiders Best Shot to Win in 2013

The third preseason game is typically the one NFL teams put the most stock into. Therefore, Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen wasn't pleased by what he saw from starting quarterback Matt Flynn on Friday night.

Flynn, the team's most notable offseason acquisition, struggled from the start, completing just three passes, throwing two interceptions and finishing with a passer rating of 17.4.

However, Allen had to be thrilled to see backup signal-caller Terrelle Pryor spark the offense late in the first half and throughout much of the third quarter. 

Pryor completed 7 of 9 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown and picked up an additional 37 yards and a score on four carries. The Raiders, who trailed 27-0 late in the first half, would score 20 unanswered points with Pryor at the helm, pulling within a touchdown before going on to lose 34-26.

Following the team's second straight preseason loss, Allen was asked if Pryor could possibly be named the starter in the wake of his strong performance. His response left the door open for debate, per San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami:

I think obviously we’ve got to look at it. I don’t think Matt played well in this game. Obviously I felt Terrelle came in, gave us a spark and played well.

And while Flynn has looked better in previous preseasons matchups with New Orleans and Dallas, Pryor's versatility under center clearly gives Oakland the best shot to win games in 2013.



When asked how Pryor is able to spark Oakland's offense, Allen was quick to point out the former Ohio State star's legs as one of the main reasons, per Kawakami:

I mean, I think it’s his mobility… He was able to create some plays down the field. Listen, he made some throws down the field, too, that were impressive throws.

What I’m going to look at… who gives us the best chance to move the ball...

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