They also left open the door to doing it again.
In the most revealing interview about the topic since it happened, Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Olson said on Thursday that playing Pryor in the first quarter was done in order to provide a spark to the running game, not because of anything starting quarterback Matt McGloin did or didn’t do.
Olson also said the move would have happened no matter what the situation was, even if Oakland was up 14-0.
“We were going to try and cheat and find a way to get some explosive plays,” Olson said.
While on the surface that sounds legitimate—the Raiders were down to their fourth-string running back against the Jets—the fact that Pryor spent the remainder of the game on the sidelines makes no sense if what Olson said is true.
Did the Jets do such a good job stopping Pryor that the coaching staff was convinced it was a bad plan? If so, what had they seen on tape that made them think it was a good idea in the first place?
Olson told reporters the plan was to go back to Pryor, but that the game dictated otherwise. Head coach Dennis Allen, however, never once mentioned that being a possibility when discussing the subject with the media.
Whatever was behind the move, it clearly blew up in the Raiders’ face.
McGloin, who seemed more than a bit miffed when he was taken out, especially for someone who allegedly knew it was coming beforehand, was picked off on his first pass attempt upon returning to the game.
In fact, it took McGloin a few series back under center before he felt comfortable again. By then, the Raiders were in a big hole and were forced to play catch-up.
After the game Oakla...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
