In many ways, Terrelle Pryor and Tim Tebow are a lot alike. They are both credited for being the original mobile quarterbacks in the college world, setting the stage for players like Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston to be appreciated for their abilities. However, Pryor is hoping the comparisons stop there. The Oakland Raiders quarterback credits Tebow for his talent and poise, but is hoping to avoid a fate similar to that of the former NFL quarterback.
Pryor has done nothing but improve this season. He came into 2013 after putting in an immense amount of work in the offseason. Known for his running abilities, Pryor made passing the focus in training camp and the result was the starting job for the Raiders. He now looks the part of a versatile and successful quarterback. He hopes to remain that way.
Pryor worked with Tom House, a baseball pitching coach at USC and quarterback guru in the offseason. The coach has also worked with Tebow, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Carson Palmer. While Pryor gets compared to Tebow's skillset, he is using the quarterback's NFL story to avoid regressing.
"He said [Tebow] was ready to go" Pryor said (via ESPN.com), recalling a conversation with House. "Tebow looked great, he was throwing the ball great, wasn't missing anything. Then they said he went to [training] camp, and when he went back, he reverted back to himself because [that's] when the bullets are flying at you."
The end result was Tebow getting cut by the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and New England Patriots, all within a two year span. The quarterback now sits on the free agent market, hoping one more team is willing to take a chance on him despite his recent pitfalls in talent. Pryor remains hopeful that when the pressure is one him, he remembers his teachings and technique instead of reverting back to bad habits like Tebow was accused of.
At this point in the season, Pryor has a 72.7 completion percentage inside the pocket. That puts him ahead of the likes of Matt Ryan, Brees and Aaron Rodgers. Not bad company to be in. Pryor is proud of how he has progressed as a traditional passer, something paying off for the Oakland Raiders.
"His ability to escape, if the protection does break down, has been key for our offense," head coach Dennis Allen said. "Because at times, I don't care who you are, at times the protection's going to break down. And when it does, he's got the ability to make something and create something, and for the most part, it's been positive for us when he's been able to do that."
The Raiders have re-paid Pryor for his efforts by cutting Matt Flynn and going all in on the quarterback as their future. While Pryor is excited by the confidence being put on him, he going to simply remain focused on improving each week as a quarterback.
