When the Raiders entered training camp, the quarterback competition was expected to be intense throughout preseason amongst three candidates; Matt Flynn, Terrelle Pryor, and the rookie Tyler Wilson.

There was a lot of hype around Wilson due to his impressive showing in minicamp and OTA’s, but the fourth round draft pick has been having a tough camp which has led to less reps and playing time.  Head coach Dennis Allen has said Wilson has all the physical tools, but is behind mentally.  His lone preseason appearance thus far, Wilson went 3-6 with 28 yards, but just didn’t look comfortable. So, that leaves Flynn and Pryor, who have already started quite the quarterback controversy in Oakland.

Flynn is considered a game manager, who can provide stability in an offense.  He’s taken the lead in camp, shown leadership, and has created chemistry amongst his receivers.  He’s also been the most consistent.  The Raiders first game of the preseason was against the Dallas Cowboys, in that game Flynn played for one quarter as he went 3-6 for 28 yards, and had one fumble.  Aside from the fumble he moved the offense although he couldn’t get them in the endzone. 

Last Friday, the Raiders took on the New Orleans Saints and Flynn was given the entire first half.  With the loss of left tackle Jared Veldheer (surgery for partially torn tricep), the offensive line had trouble protecting the quarterback as Flynn was sacked five times and had no time to make plays.  Flynn shined in the last two minutes of the half, though as he and the Raiders offense stormed down the field to score a touchdown.  Overall Flynn went 12-16 with 124 yards and that one touchdown in week two.  Flynn seems to be leading this competition and rightfully so at this point, but there are still two weeks left of preseason and Pryor isn’t out of the race.

Pryor is one of the fan favorites because of his athleticism and ability to run, but it’s questionable whether or not he can be a starter at this point.  There’s no doubt Pryor has made improvements from last season, his throws are better and he looks more comfortable under center.  Week one was an impressive one for Pryor, he had a vibe going with the offense as he was moving them downfield.  He was 6-10 with 88 yards, with no touchdowns, but had one costly pick in the endzone.  He had the time to run it in himself, but decided to throw and it was a bad decision as it was picked off; showing that he still makes those small errors. 

When Pryor comes in the game, they use the pistol offense which works to his advantage, but that wasn’t the case last week.  He struggled behind the second string offensive line as he was pressured often.  He finished the game going 1-5 for nine yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions; he only played the third quarter.  Pryor has the ability to add the running threat to the offense and with the loss of Veldheer, his chances have improved, but he wasn’t impressive against the Saints. 

Flynn is expected to be the starter come September 8th when the Raiders kickoff the regular season against the Colts in Indianapolis.  The loss of Veldheer was huge as he covered Flynn’s blindside, but Allen and general manager Reggie McKenzie have made some moves and adjustments due to his injury, so we’ll see how that plays out on Friday as the Raiders host the Chicago Bears and their tough defense.  These last two preseason games will be crucial for both quarterbacks.  All Flynn has to do is what he’s doing right now,  Pryor on the other hand, needs to wow his coaches with dynamic play, because so far Flynn has outplayed Pryor; in camp and on the field.