One of the divisions that’s guaranteed to be up for grabs this season is the AFC West. One team that surprised everyone by going undefeated in intra-division play was the Oakland Raiders. With an improved defense and a monster like Darren McFadden storming out of the backfield, the “Silver and Black” are seemingly a quarterback away from finally having an over-.500 season.
This offseason, the Raiders lost a key player in Nnamdi Asomugha, but made some needed cap room to acquire other players. But none of the Raiders’ newest acquisitions has drawn more attention and controversy than troubled quarterback Terrelle Pryor. After getting him in the third round of the 2011 supplemental draft, Oakland wasted no time in signing him to a 4-year deal worth $2.8 million (plus bonuses) and cut Trent Edwards.
Contrary to initial reports, Pryor, who has been mentored by Charlie Batch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has decided to appeal a 5-game suspension that stems from violations while at Ohio State. Many observers believe that Pryor’s suspension should be tossed out, with Batch being one of them. The main argument against it is that if his former coach, Jim Tressel’s suspension didn’t carry over when hired by the Indianapolis Colts, neither should Pryor’s.
Pryor decided to skip his final year of college following an investigation that became known as the Buckeyes’ memorabilia-for-cash scandal. Despite all the negativity surrounding him, Al Davis decided to take a chance on this kid and who can blame him? Various reports indicate that the Raiders’ coaching staff was so impressed with his physical abilities alone, that giving him a chance to play pro football in Oaktown was a risk worth taking.
At 6-feet, 5-inches and almost 240 pounds, Pryor recorded an eye-popping 4.36 seconds in his 40-yard dash. In his last year at Ohio State, Pryor threw for 2772 yards, 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran the ball well, rushing for 754 yards, 4 TDs and was instrumental in his team winning the Sugar Bowl.
The Oakland Raiders [+3] are set to open their season at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, as they take on the NFL Odds favorite Denver Broncos [-3]. I like the Raiders to shock the Broncos! This AFC West battle has a scheduled opening kickoff slated for 10:15 PM ET on ESPN, following the game between the New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins.
