How Do the Oakland Raiders Begin to Develop Terrelle Pryor?

After the Week 4 loss to New England, many have asked for the head of Jason Campbell, his two biggest mistakes being interceptions that came in critical situations.

For the record, I am not giving up on Jason Campbell. This is a quarterback that needs a strong running game to succeed, which he has, and is not prone to turning the ball over often. I still believe that Campbell is the right guy for the job for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. However, what Campbell did prove on Sunday was that maybe he will never be the kind of quarterback that can take over a game.

Which brings up the question: What do the Raiders do with Terrelle Pryor?

Again, this article is not intended to bash Campbell or deter any fan's faith in him. This is intended to just spark a discussion about a player who we all know will eventually take snaps as our starting quarterback.

Despite many who believe Pryor is primed for a position change, the Raiders have made it known that he will be a quarterback. This article is based on that assumption.

Pryor's NFL suspension is over in less than one week, which means he is officially on the Raiders' 53-man roster, and is able to practice with the team. Word is, he has been working on his own with a quarterbacks coach not on the Raiders' coaching staff after practices.

It is obvious that in his rookie year he will not be much of a factor. In fact, I would not be upset if he also sat the 2012 season out as well. We all know that he is not the most polished quarterback, and it will take time for him to truly reach his potential.

But in 2013, is Pryor going to be the missing link?

I honestly believe this offense is a quarterback away from being a true contender. This offensive line is young and playing at a Pro Bowl level. Denarious Moore has made this receiving corps legit, and the progression of Darrius Heyward-Bey is becoming something to look at. Jacoby Ford will always be a weapon that you can do a whole lot with, and I haven't even mentioned Darren McFadden.

But what is missing is a quarterback with what I call an "it" factor.

The kind of quarterback that just finds a way to make a play in unorthodox ways.

Obviously Pryor will never be a Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. He won't lead the league in passing, he may not be the most accurate, and he won't always be a statue in the pocket.

But when I look at the history of this franchise, I do not think that type of quarterback fits this team's personality.

Ken Stabler made a career and reputation of escaping sacks and making plays. Jim Plunkett was more of a prototypical quarterback, yet his stats won't amaze anyone. Even though Rich Gannon threw for a lot of yards, I would compare his style much more to Stabler than the other prototypical quarterbacks.

That being said, despite Pryor's flaws, the way he plays the game, and particularly quarterback, fits this franchise's history.

Comparing Pryor to Campbell is like comparing apples to oranges, they are just different. But one thing I would say is similar is that they do not throw many interceptions. Campbell's lack of INT's may be due to his lack of pass attempts, whereas Pryor is quick to use his mobility. But in Pryor's style, you keep defenses honest.

Pryor, in my opinion, has that "it" factor. Whether it is using his arm or his legs, the guy can flat out take over a game. Whether you like or dislike him, you cannot dispute that.

I have no idea what Pryor and Campbell's relationship is like right now. I would like to think Campbell is open to the mentor role, but in the back of my mind it does not seem likely. But what I do know is that Campbell is a pro who will be a good teammate first and always. So if I were Pryor, I would take advantage of that part of Campbell's personality.

Learn the playbook, learn what it takes to keep this offense fired up, learn to be a professional, even off the field.

As far as Pryor's relationship with head coach Hue Jackson, I suggest Pryor take advantage of Jackson's way of thinking, because I think Jackson's personality and play calling fits Pryor's on-field style as well. Jackson is a fiery guy and loves the game. When you see Pryor play the game, you can tell he has loads of fun. I think those two traits mesh well.

Again, I'm not ready to give up on Campbell this year, but I also believe the writing will eventually be on the wall. Tell me what you think. Do the Raiders finally have the coaching staff to develop a young quarterback? Is Pryor that guy?

I just want the opinion of the Raider Nation, because I think this team is close to doing something special.