Pryor Shines, But Raiders Drop Season Opener to Colts

Sep 8, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) scrambles from Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Raiders 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a tough loss for the Oakland Raiders, the third-year quarterback Terrelle Pryor was the story of the game. Coming into today’s matchup, there were many questions about whether Pryor could lead an NFL offense effectively. The youngster undoubtedly proved something in today’s game as he broke a franchise record for a quarterback rushing for 112 yard on 13 attempts. He tacked on 217 yards in the air on 19/29 passing and a touchdown.

The game began with the Raiders having first possession of the ball. Pryor was moving the ball down the field fairly well with nine plays resulting in 59 yards, until he took a shot down the field that resulted in an interception. The pass was intended for Rod Streater.

Andrew Luck and company capitalized on the turnover with an impressive ten play, 89 yard drive ending with a beautiful 12 yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne in the end zone. The Colts took a quick 7-0 lead over the Raiders.

The Colts defense responded very well after Luck’s successful drive by forcing an Oakland punt. Luck, doing what he does best, led a consecutive touchdown drive that consisted of an eight play, 69 yard drive resulting in a perfect pass up the middle to Dwayne Allen under immense pressure. Indianapolis led Oakland 14-0 in the beginning of the second quarter.

The Raiders were living up to their expectations, a struggling defense unable to get stops, and an offense that had yet to put points on the board — until Pryor led a spectacular touchdown drive using his feet and arm resulting in a one yard pound up the middle for a Darren McFadden touchdown. During this drive Pryor scampered for an impressive 29 yard run, giving the Raiders a first down and great momentum. Pryor and his crew were within one touchdown, trailing 14-7.

The next few possessions involved scoreless drives for both teams, consisting of numerous punts and the Raiders star kicker missing a 48 yard field goal before half.

Nevertheless, Janikowski made a 38 yard field goal in the beginning of the third quarter to make the game even closer, and the Raiders trailed just 14-10.

After another defensive stop by Oakland, Pryor drove the Raiders 74 yards on 11 plays resulting in a five yard touchdown pass to Denarius Moore on a slant to put the Raiders on top 17-14.

The Colts would then strike back with a 21-play, 71-yard touchdown drive ending with a quarterback scramble for 19 yards into the end zone. It was a huge touchdown for Luck and company, as the Colts took the lead with the fourth quarter winding down, 21-17.

Pryor and the Raiders marched down the field nicely, but the game ended with Pryor throwing a costly interception after a 16-yard sack with just seconds remaining. The Colts took a 21-17 victory.

The Colts begin the season with a 1-0 record, led by Luck who threw for 178 yards on 18/23 passing with two touchdowns as well.

Some optimism for Oakland, as Pryor certainly flashed in this game. He played incredibly hard and made some impressive plays for the Raiders. I don’t think there is much of a “controversy” anymore in Oakland…