Aug 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub (8) warms up before the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
As I’ve stated before, the Oakland Raiders had been the topic of many conversations during the 2014 NFL offseason. As of late, their new, media-fed quarterback scenario hasn’t been very positive. Although The Only Nation is accustomed to this type of speculation, fans have to fully analyze the Raiders quarterback situation entering the 2014 NFL season.
Breaking down this process may be difficult for some, but if you analyze each step you’ll understand exactly what’s transpired.
At the conclusion of the 2013 season, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen made it very clear they were disappointed with the play of their signal callers. Anyone paying attention to the NFL knew the Raiders needed to figure out who their starting QB was in order to return to relevance. While facing significant roster turnover they were forced to decide between Terelle Pryor and Matt McGloin moving forward. Oakland determined McGloin’s passion and poise was a better fit for the organization.
Assessing McGloin
When breaking down Matt McGloin, you have to consider the fact that he was an undrafted free agent (UFA) rookie. He walked-on the Penn State football team and then produced an amazing pre draft video for NFL teams, after not receiving an invite to the NFL scouting combine McGloin is a true blue collar player that exuberates ambition and determination towards his American dream. The Raiders want and need these type of players on the roster.
The only problem is, there’s a reason why he was a walk-on in 2009 and went undrafted last Spring. I’m not saying he isn’t capable of starting in the NFL, but he has a lot to work to do in order to become relevant. The reason McKenzie brought him back was to simply create competition with a confident player having NFL experience. When McKenzie signed a veteran signal-caller and drafted Carr, he set the bar for the 2nd year year player from Scranton, PA.
Reggie McKenzie knows the type of player McGloin is. He also knows that he could eventually become his new-era Matt Flynn. With several NFL teams nervous about their quarterback situation, Reggie won’t budge unless one of them is desperate. It may be this year, or it could be the next, but realize this: the Raiders aren’t going to rush moving Matt McGloin.
Injuries happen in the NFL and there’s always the chance that Matt Schaub is everything the media thought he was. He was specifically brought in as an insurance policy for the organization, and based on his resume he deserves the nod. If something were to happen and the Raiders need McGloin to step in, I think they’re in good shape. He commands the huddle, works hard, and exemplifies the Raider mentality. I’m sure he wants to start, but once he builds his own resume, more doors will open for him and the Raiders organization. Losing McGloin for minimal compensation is just stupid.
If Matt McGloin is Oakland’s back-up QB for the next 2-3 years, no one can complain. If he’s forced to play, and plays well, the Raiders could cash in on a QB instead of continuously recycling them. In contrast to the past decade, the Raiders have significant leverage in a potential deal, whether McGloin likes it or not. Either way, you have to applaud McKenzie for causing so much disagreement within The Only Nation regarding the Raiders quarterback situation.