To make matters even more confusing for TP he’s lost the man that had his back no matter what. With Al Davis no longer running Oakland’s scholarship program Pryor is minus is biggest supporter.

Just how much time Reggie McKenzie is willing to give this project QB is unknown.

Dennis Allen has sung Pryor’s praises recently, talking up a diligent work ethic and commitment to improvement. Allen also didn’t hesitate to point out how much work Pryor has to do before he can be trusted as a signal caller.

Not that it came as any shock but the Raiders went out and signed themselves a veteran backup in Matt Leinart. That means Pryor is once again looking at the real possibility of spending his Sundays wearing a ball cap instead of a helmet once again.

Without question Pryor is a superior athlete with all kinds of potential. The real question is how well do his talents translate to playing QB in the NFL? Better yet, is he better suited playing another position?

The questions are plenty with Pryor and no answers will come until he takes some meaningful snaps in the preseason. This time of year just about every NFL job is up for grabs with few exceptions around the league. Pryor will have to prove himself no matter the circumstances. That is true for any man that collects an NFL check.

What Raider Nation is wondering is how much time McKenzie will set aside for Al’s last pet project? Most anticipate that the Raiders will be looking for a QB of the future after this season no matter how Carson Palmer performs. If Pryor wants to keep his name in that conversation then he’ll need to show some serious improvement in the coming months. Otherwise Pryor will really be pondering his football future if McKenzie starts looking for ways to get into the Matt Barkley sweepstakes.

On the surface it would seem the odds makers missed as badly as Tim Tebow trying to throw on the run.

Thus far this season the Raiders have resembled the Mad Max sequel cause they’ve been Road Warriors. Oakland has lost just once in five road games this season. Meanwhile until recently the Dolphins couldn’t win at home if they were playing the University of Miami.

In recent weeks Miami has made a dramatic turnaround. Well…not dramatic enough to stay out of the Matt Barkley sweepstakes, but they are playing some inspired ball.

As for the Raiders…they’re riding a three game win streak while trying to fend off the Fighting Tebows in Donkey Town.

So…umm…why exactly are the Fins favored?
(more…)

welcomed

All this is based on the assumption that you will be the starter, Kyle. You know better than anyone that nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, having lost your job on separate occasions to Rex Grossman and Brian Griese.

So, without further ado, here is a little advice for you, Orton, as you transition from the Second City to the Mile High City.

 1) Own the Chiefs and Matt Cassel – Nothing will make you more endearing to Bronco fans than sticking it to the QB who caused this whole mess in the first place. Consider Matt Cassel the Angelia Jolie to Jay Cutler’s Jennifer Aniston, Josh McDaniels as the Brad Pitt figure and Bronco fans as the children adopted by McD in his new union. After it’s all said and done, you’ll most likely just be a speed bump on the McDaniels express lane to Millenville (population: Denver and Detroit), but at least you’ll give the Danver fans a brief moment to like you by balling whenever Cassel is on the other side of the field.

2) Get the rock to Brandon Marshall – Lost in the entire Jay Cutler saga is the great toll this has taken on his former favorite target, Brandon Marshall. Marshall and Cutler had a relationship not unlike the onscreen connection shared between Charlie Sheen and Kristy Swanson in the 1994 film “The Chase”. Cutler played Swanson’s role of the drama queen and Marhsall played Sheen’s role of the felon. Good times for all in Donkey Town. Now, Kyle, it’s up to you to make sure Marshall doesn’t go T.O. and start to complain when you’re looking for Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler more than him. Take a page out of Cutler’s book and stare Marshall down for the entire play. Never mind scanning the field and reading the whole play, just wing it in there and act like you thought Marshall was open when McD is ripping you on the sideline. It will cost you a few INTs, but hey, it’s not like Cutler took care of the ball in Denver either.

3) Get to know Ed Hochuli – The whole world knows that Jay Cutler made Hoculi’s biceps bulge at the mere sight of Denver’s diabetic darling. The muscle bound flag thrower was so enamored with Jay-C that he actually gave the Broncos a cheap win over the Chargers back in 2008. Now that Cutler is gone, it will be up to you to make nice with Hochuli. My suggestion is this: Since you know Hochuli enjoys pumping iron, why not surprise him with a gift to aid him in his tiring workouts. I can put you in contact with Yuri Sucart. My man has some great connects to buy cheap “Tic Tacs” in the D.R.

 4) Keep the beard – Bronco fans still have a hard time accepting the fact that John Elway is no longer playing. Jake Plummer got smart and grew a Grizzly Adams so that anytime he pulled off his helmet after turning the ball over, Bronco fans would realize, “Hey! Since when did Elway grow a beard?” Eventually the reality set in that it was Plummer and not Elway on the field. Bronco fans embraced Jake the Fake, so why not you? Cutler had to live up to being the next Elway, while you only have to be the next Plummer. Sometimes having lowered expectations can be a great thing.

Truth be told, I’d be very surprised if McD doesn’t start the musical chair game at QB by week 4 in 2009. For now, the job is yours Kyle. Enjoy playing in Denver. At least you know your job is safe as long as you don’t make the Pro Bowl. However, should you actually become good enough to run a pro offense, set a franchise record for passing yards and earn a trip to Hawaii (or wherever the Pro Bowl is to be played) then all bets are off and McDaniels will be looking to ship you out for Mitch Mustian, Aaron Corp or Matt Barkley (whichever USC QB he’s is in love with).

Welcome to the AFC West, Kyle Orton!