Oakland Raiders: Does McGloin Truly Have What it Takes?

Nov 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) throws a pass against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Texans 28-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After an enthralling performance by the undrafted rookie Matt McGloin, the Oakland Raiders look to seize back-to-back victories against the Tennessee Titans. McGloin sharply earned the right for a consecutive start over the ailing Terrelle Pryor after throwing an impressive three touchdown passes in his big league debut.

Whether or not Pryor remains hampered by a sprained MCL in which he suffered late in an egregious blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles is immaterial to why McGloin was named the starter against Tennessee. McGloin rightfully won the starting job solely due to his spectacular performance last Sunday. The offense had been staggering terribly under the presence of Pryor, and the resurgence led by McGloin was certainly significant enough to continue with him at quarterback – at least for now. Dennis Allen was asked why he chose to start McGloin over Pryor, and remarked, “It’s a production based business.”

Say what you please about McGloin — a walk-on at Penn State, an undrafted rookie who initially signed in Oakland as a fourth arm in training camp, to now being named the starter after a marvelous display of football against a tough Houston Texans defense on the road. It’s a jaw-dropping story, though I am not ready to jump the gun here.

Does McGloin truly have what it takes to finish off the season as the Raiders starting quarterback over Terrelle Pryor? I couldn’t say with certitude yet, in matter of fact, not anyone could.

Remember a man by the name of Matt Flynn, who McKenzie gave a boatload of money to, as well as surrendering a fifth-round draft pick, ultimately for one horrendous showing that resulted in a piteous loss to the Washington Redskins? Flynn played poorly enough to scratch himself off the Raiders 53-man roster. He was a major bust in Oakland, though considering the fact that he was evaluated and given a tremendous amount of cash predominantly due to one performance a few years ago, after he threw six touchdown passes and 400 plus yards in the last game of the season against a lackluster Detroit Lion’s defense, this should not have surprised anyone. One game is an exceedingly dangerous sample size.

I have utmost faith in McGloin’s abilities as a quarterback, and as a professional. His status currently flutters aimlessly after just one match-up under his belt, although I do not think he’s the next Matt Flynn. He is a poised individual with exceptional work ethic, therefore I would be rather surprised by a potential downfall, but anything is possible.

Williams, the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, is well-known around the league for dialing up all sorts of blitz packages routinely. Tennessee currently ranks 17th in total sacks with 26, one ranking behind the Raiders who have 27 (Jason Tarver likes to blitz too). The youngster will have his hands full with the relentless pressures of the Titans, and if the offensive line is unable to provide McGloin with a clean pocket, it could be a long day. McGloin was incredibly quick at getting rid of the ball last Sunday, releasing on an average of about two seconds per pass play. That will be critical against a Greg William’s defense.

You couldn’t measure the enormity of this game for McGloin. If he defines mediocrity on Sunday, I think he assuredly still deserves another game. If he throws lights out, well then, he will more than likely be the guy for the remainder of the year. Now, if McGloin displays a horrible performance, then there’s a legitimate quarterback controversy. It’s simple, everything is in the palms of the undrafted rookie. Who would have thought it would ever be Matt McGloin’s job to lose?