(Joe Nicholson/USA Today Sports)
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, newly acquired quarterback Matt Flynn will begin the offseason workouts as the Oakland Raiders starter, as stated by GM Reggie McKenzie. It was also noted that McKenzie has kept his word that Terrelle Pryor and a prospective rookie or free agent addition will compete for the starting gig.
Flynn, who lost out with the Seattle Seahawks for a starting position, already has an advantage in Oakland with this announcement. McKenzie is not shying away from how he feels about Flynn.
“He has all the intangibles and I think he can play the position. He can throw the ball. I think he’s going to be a solid quarterback. Now how good can he be? We’ll figure that out, but I think he’s got a chance to be a good, solid quarterback,” said McKenzie.
So far, there has been no word from head coach Dennis Allen or offensive coordinator Greg Olsen on who the starting quarterback will be. There has only been preaching about the qualities desired in their QB.
“Two things that I feel are important and that’s presence, as far as leadership and knowing how to move a team down the field, and knowing how to do it,” McKenzie said.
The report comes over a month after Yahoo Sports’ Mike Silver revealed that there is “much organizational skepticism” about Pryor.
Honestly, when you look at the Raiders offensive line, a player like Pryor who can extend plays and spread out the field with his speed makes a lot of sense. Until an actual coach (all due respect to McKenzie) states which player is going to start, I am not ruling out Pryor emerging as the teams starter, contrary to popular belief.
However, carrying a $6.5 million salary in 2013 makes it more likely Flynn will, in fact, grab the reins at QB. McKenzie has gone increasingly public in showing his support for Flynn.
Now it isn’t his choice on who starts or not for the team, but if we know anything about the Raiders franchise, the GM has always had a strong word in that.
