Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie – and the entire fan base and organization – haven’t had a lot of reason to be optimistic lately. But, things are changing in Raider land. At the forefront of that change is exciting young quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Pryor brings a mobile style that has become prevalent around the NFL in recent years and with it a sense of hope for the future. Through two games the Raiders are 1-1 and Pryor has put up some encouraging numbers. So far he is 34-for-53 for 343 yards with a TD and 2 interceptions, and has run for 162 yards on 22 carries.
So what does McKenzie think about his up-and-coming QB? He told a group of Bay Area reporters and csnbayarea.com’s Scott Bair the following:
“He has, in my mind, he’s made leaps and bounds from last year, from the time I spent with him. He’s done a good job. There wasn’t a play or anything (where Pryor earned the job), it’s just more his progress. 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.”
“I think he energizes more than just the fan base. He energizes his teammates and anybody that’s watching. Everybody like to see the big plays. And he’s a big play guy. So, yes, the fan base, I’m definitely sure they love to see him play.”
For a quarterback that wasn’t even sure he was going to start before the season — due to his well-publicized battle with Matt Flynn for that spot – Terrelle Pryor has Raider Nation and those within the organization excited for the future.
Oakland has a big challenge this week as they take on the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football — Pryor will be front and center for the NFL world to see.