Raiders have special plans for Pryor
Posted Oct. 21, 2011
By Eli Kaberon
Two new quarterbacks joined the Raiders' roster this week, but with completely different roles and expectations. Veteran Carson Palmer, acquired in a trade from the Bengals, will step right in as the starter, the man most responsible for helping the team reach its goal of a playoff appearance. Rookie Terrelle Pryor, fresh off a suspension following his selection in the August supplemental draft, will also impact the team but in a very different role.
According to a team source, Pryor's snaps under center will be very limited. Having missed much of training camp and the first six weeks of the regular season, his familiarity with the playbook and his development as a quarterback are not where they need to be for the coaching staff to trust him with playing time at QB. Yet the rookie has a live arm, good mobility and great athleticism, which means head coach Hue Jackson will find a way to put him on the field.
We hear there are specific formations and plays in the Raiders' playbook that can utilize Pryor's skills. These include Pryor throwing, running and receiving, both lined up wide and at quarterback. A version of the "Wildcat," which would feature Pryor and RB Darren McFadden, is believed to be one of the ways Jackson will use the rookie, per our source.