The Oakland Raiders are one of a handful of teams using the preseason to sort out questions and concerns at the quarterback position.
Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor made progress in Friday's 19-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys, but have patience with us: We remain skeptical.
Flynn (4-of-5 passing for 37 yards) did enough to earn another start. Raiders coach Dennis Allen praised him, saying Flynn "was very composed in pocket ... able to move the team."
Flynn also found himself on the business end of a devastating strip-sack by Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee on the game's opening drive. It was one of two turnovers Dallas forced in the first half, but Flynn rebounded to guide the Raiders on a 12-play drive in the first quarter that ate up 6:49 off the clock and resulted in a Sebastian Janikowski field goal. Then came Pryor.
A little-used mystery man over the past two seasons, Pryor was a mix of clouds and sunshine. He showed good mobility on his first drive, a march that saw the Raiders operate out of the pistol formation and show Dallas a variety of read-option looks. Pryor accounted for 31 yards on three carries. but his first drive fizzled out with a ghastly end-zone interception.
"I looked at the pictures and I could have easily ran it in, but I got greedy," Pryor said.
Pryor showed horrible decision-making on the play, but returned to move the team with energy on his second series, which netted a field goal.
The biggest takeaway? Pryor looked comfortable under center. That came against an assortment of players who aren't likely to make an NFL roster, but Pryor might stick in Oakland. We wouldn't be surprised to see the Raiders' option subpackage find its way onto the field come September.
The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
