Matt McGloin is learning that hard work pays off in the end. The former undrafted free agent, signed with the Oakland Raiders leaving many predicting that he would eventually be released or banished to the practice squad. Instead, he performed well enough to beat out drafted quarterback Tyler Wilson for a spot on the roster and now after an injuries to Terrelle Pryor, he will be starting his second game in the NFL.
Dennis Allen noted that McGloin had done enough to put himself in discussion to be the permanent starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. The head coach has been extremely impressed with the way the rookie has taken over the team in wake of Pryor's injury. He made it clear that McGloin was starting against his second game because he surpassed Pryor on the depth chart, not because Pryor was still injured.
"It's a production business and when he's had the opportunity to go in there, he has produced," Allen said, via CSN Bay Area. "When you do that, you get more opportunities."
McGloin certainly produced in his first game as starter against the Houston Texans. He went 18-for-32 in passing for 197 yards and three touchdowns. That is pretty efficient for a rookie starting his first game. Can McGloin repeat the success? Allen certainly thinks so and McGloin is loving the confidence from his superiors.
"It feels good that all the preparation and hard work has paid off," McGloin said, via the team website. "I'm glad that coaching staff has faith in me and trust in me, and I know the team does as well."
So how about that brewing quarterback competition in Oakland? The status of Pryor remains unknown after the quarterback injured his knee against the Philadelphia Eagles. While originally reported as a strain, the injury could be much worse. Pryor started eight games for the Raiders this season and had been playing relatively well, enough for Reggie McKenzie to consider him the future of the franchise. Now McGloin throws a wrench into that plan, but the rookie stresses the relationship between the two quarterbacks is just fine.
"Terrelle and I have a healthy relationship," McGloin said. "I don't think it really matters who starts. Guys are going to help out, Tyler [Wilson] helps out too, we all try to help each other out on a daily basis. At the end of the day, the most important thing is getting a win."
McGloin is saying all of the right things. If he keeps things up, he will not have to worry about anyone else helping out. The job will be his moving forward.
