Dennis Allen shies from Matt Schaub, Carson Palmer comparisons
By Chase Ruttig
Jun 10, 2014; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen (right) and media relations director Will Kiss at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Oakland Raiders moved on from veteran quarterback Carson Palmer in 2013, pulling the plug on a risky move to trade high draft picks for the former Cincinnati Bengals passer that never resulted in a playoff finish for the Silver and Black. That move didn’t result in better performances through the air for the Raiders despite shedding Palmer’s hefty contract as Matt Flynn, Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin combined for just four wins in head coach Dennis Allen’s second season as head coach.
Meanwhile Palmer did decent for himself in Arizona in his first year with the Cardinals, nearly getting the team into the playoffs in the NFC West. Making a comeback with a new team, the Raiders have now brought in another veteran through trade in hopes of finding a quarterback to lead the team to the playoffs for in Matt Schaub. Despite the veteran experience of both quarterbacks who have had to find new teams to remain starting players in the league, head coach Dennis Allen doesn’t compare the two players.
“Well, I think they’re different quarterbacks,” said Allen on Sunday when asked to compare Schaub to the former starter.” “I hate to get into the comparison thing. I think both of them are good quarterbacks, and Matt’s done an outstanding job for us and I would expect him to continue to be outstanding for us.”
Schaub could potentially return to being even better than Palmer was in 2013 as the former Raiders quarterback did throw a high 22 interceptions with the Cardinals last season. Allen will be hoping that Schaub does return to the form he once showed with the Texans as a consistent performer who could be expected to throw for 4,000 plus yards and 20 plus touchdowns a season. If the Raiders can get that play from Schaub, there will be no reporters asking Allen to compare the new Raiders quarterback to Carson Palmer.