When the Oakland Raiders were preparing for the 2013 season, Terrelle Pryor was not on their radar for starting quarterback. The backup was being seen as a situational type of player that could help open up the playbook on certain occasions. The team had acquired Matt Flynn and all signs were pointing towards him as the starting quarterback. Until certain pieces fell into place and now Pryor is starting his third game for the Raiders, a situation general manager Reggie McKenzie never saw coming.

McKenzie could not be happier with the outlook of the offense. The Raiders can now be considered a team on the rise, much do to offensive coordinator Greg Olson and the work he has done to build around Pyor's talents. However, that was not the original plan. Flynn was supposed to be the guy. McKenzie new the veteran had elbow issues before the traded for him, but the general manager notes that Flynn's arm did not fare well, opening a chance for Pryor after two years on the team.

Good players will stay here, point-blank," McKenzie said, via the Contra Costa Times. "It's not about driving off players who were here and bringing in, you know, our own guys. It's trying to put together a good nucleus and core group of guys and then funnel other players in that can help complement them and put together the best team. And whoever plays will be whoever the coach thinks gives us the best chance to win. And that's what it's all about."

It is clear that right now Pryor gives the Raiders the best chance at winning. Through two games, the quarterback has thrown for 343 yards while rushing for another 162 yards. The Raiders were within eight yards of being 2-0 on the season, but it is the overall improvement of Pryor's play that has McKenzie impressed the most.

"Pryor, he's, in my mind, he's made leaps and bounds from last year, from the time I spent with him," McKenzie said. "He's done a good job. The guy just comes in, goes to work, from the summer to training camp to each and every preseason game, he's just gotten better and better. I think he's getting more confident, and that just comes with playing. So, just let him play."

McKenzie credits Pryor for really re-energizing the team with his attitude and hunger for winning. Already a fan favorite, Pryor is the type of player the Oakland faithful have been waiting for.