The Oakland Raiders once again have a quarterback controversy on their hands. After training camp was headlined by the competition between Matt Flynn and Tyler Wilson, the middle of the season now appears to be highlighted by the brewing decision of whether to start Terrelle Pryor or Matt McGloin. After an endorsement from head coach Dennis Allen, the rookie could have the upper hand.
Pryor continues to sit out with a knee injury, giving way to McGloin's rise to fame. The rookie led the Raiders to a win over the Houston Texans in Week 11. He appeared impressive, completing 18 of 32 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. He played the role of game manager well, setting up drives for running back Rashad Jennings to have a breakout game in his own right. McGloin was good enough to earn an endorsement as a potential long-term starter for Oakland as Allen said the quarterback has earned the right to be in the discussion.
"They don't always agree with the decisions I make," Allen said, via Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group. " ... You've seen where guys have rallied behind Terrelle Pryor as the starting quarterback and played well with him in there. Then, you saw how our guys responded with Matt McGloin in there. I really don't see that as being an issue."
One good game is simply not enough of a sample size to judge the potential of McGloin, just ask Flynn. However, the quarterback did show enough potential during training camp to earn the final roster spot over drafted quarterback, Wilson.
Pryor has started eight of nine games for Oakland. He has certainly looked every bit the part of a potential franchise quarterback, despite some first-year starter mistakes. The Oakland coaching staff has praised the added level Pryor gives the offense. But, right now the quarterback is out and McGloin is healthy. In a league based off of "what have you done for me lately", McGloin gets the press.
Allen is not ready to commit to the rookie as a starter for Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans. The coach is waiting to hear word on the status of Pryor's knee. Once the quarterback gets back on the field, Allen will be able to make a proper call of who the starter is.
The Raiders have been in desperate search of a franchise quarterback that can bring some stability for the next few years. The question still remains if that is Pryor and McGloin has not been active enough to make a judgment. However, with two decent players on the roster, the Raiders should be a little more comfortable.
