Matt Leinart Thinks He Deserves to Start and Other AFC West News

Dennis Allen and the Raiders face a decision in Week 17 about whether to start journeyman Matt Leinart or the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Terrelle Pryor. That decision is expected at some point on Friday, but one of the two men believes he should be the starter.

“In this situation, I deserve to play, I deserve to start,” Leinart said (via Steve Corkran of InsideBayArea.com).

There might not be five people on the entire planet who think Leinart deserves to start. Considering all the work Leinart has put in as the backup quarterback and his knowledge of Greg Knapp’s offense, it makes sense, but that’s where any logic ends.

All that time preparing as a backup and knowledge of the offense didn’t help him play well in relief of Carson Palmer last week. The Raiders need to get a look at Pryor in an NFL game, and the fans deserve to see what their athletic quarterback has to offer.

In other AFC West news...

 

Oakland

Brandon Myers has emerged as a productive tight end in his contract year, according to Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times.

Who should be the Raiders’ offensive coordinator in 2013? Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Ray Garcia has a list of candidates.

Denver

National Lead Writer Dan Levy took a stab at breaking down the race for the NFL’s MVP award. His conclusion: It depends on how you define value.

Demaryius Thomas and Wesley Woodyard are Pro Bowlers to their teammates, according to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post.

Kansas City

Romeo Crennel calls the Chiefs' Pro Bowl selections a bright spot, according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.

The Chiefs need more than a quarterback and coach, according to Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star.

San Diego

The Chargers announced their 2012 team awards. Eric Weddle was voted Most Valuable Player.

Raider Nation could be a trend-buster for the Chargers on and off the field, according to Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego.