Does Adding Matt Flynn Really Make The Raiders Better?

Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) passes the ball to running back Robert Turbin (22) during the 1st half against the Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

I can not help but love the moves that Oakland Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie has made thus far. He is taking calculated risks while not over paying for talent. However, trading for Matt Flynn was not a move I agree with. Whether I concur with the acquisition or not, the fact of the matter is Flynn is now an Oakland Raider. Below are three reasons why I believe Flynn will not make the Raiders better, but in fact, may make them worse.

For starters, the Raiders reached for Flynn, by trading away a 2014 fifth-round draft pick and a conditional 2015 draft pick. And although I believe the draft picks were of little value, the fact that McKenzie builds through the draft, makes it hard for me to believe he would just throw away picks, for a career backup. But that is what happened. I agree the Raiders need a starting caliber quarterback, but is Flynn really the answer? I doubt it. I would love for him to prove me wrong, but playing behind a shaky offensive line will make that difficult. Which brings me to my next point, the offensive line.

Whether it was the zone blocking scheme or just lack of talent, the Raiders offensive line was downright atrocious. They do have a couple bright spots in tackle Jared Veldheer and center Stefen Wisniewski but that is about it. If the Raiders hope to improve as an offense it will have to start up front. They could surprise many and draft tackle Eric Fisher, who is regarded as the second best tackle in the draft, but that still remains to be seen. Whoever is behind center, he will need to have a running game to compliment his passing attack, which in turn means, a better offensive line. Some options the Raiders could pursue is to trade back and stock pile some picks, to draft one of the two guards in this year’s draft, such as Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper. Both of those players would be ideal maulers in the running game with the athleticism to pull.

And probably the most important reason why Flynn will not make the Raiders better, is his lack of consistency. That’s right, Flynn does not have the consistency to take the Raiders to the next level. Mark my words, he will be the second coming of Kevin Kolb. He will have a four touchdown, 300-yard performance, one week. And then, a four interception game the next. I would rather roll the dice on Terrelle Pryor, or a Matt Barkley, but that is just me. We will just have to wait and see how everything plays out.