Terrelle Pyror: Will Raiders Turn to Pyror If Carson Palmer Struggles Again?

After the midseason trade that took over the NFL news headlines this week, Carson Palmer and the Oakland Raiders were unable to get it done on Sunday. In fact, it wasn't even close.

Just before the Raiders matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, a team just 2-3 on the season going into the game, the team traded a first-round draft pick to the Cincinnati Bengals in return for QB Carson Palmer, as Jason Campbell went down to injury.

Sure enough, it came game time and Palmer was unable to deliver in his appearance in the second half. As he has missed months of practice, refusing to suit-up with the Bengals, Palmer seemed to be completely out of rhythm and couldn't get anything going against the No. 17 passing defense in the league.

Palmer would go for 116 yards and three interceptions on the day, failing to help his team put up a single point on the board. Considering the Chiefs are no Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers when it comes to defense, there are certainly problems that the team has to address.

Does Palmer continue to get the start or will the Raiders have to revert to backup quarterback Terrelle Pryor?

Inevitably, the Raiders organization and coaching staff in particular has to raise this question. Yet, there is no question that it is too soon to sit down the former Pro Bowl quarterback.

Palmer is just one game into the season, and he has been inactive for as long as any player in the league this season. There was no doubt the guy was going to show a bit a rust in his first start back. Also, one has to consider the amount the team has invested in the QB. A first-round draft pick is quite the hefty move, and is certainly a valuable asset to give up, as giving up on Palmer a half a game wouldn't quite be warranted.

Yet, then the problem becomes that the Raiders stood no chance whatsoever in this ballgame. Yes, there was no chance the Raiders would win this game; there was anything but a glimpse of victory.

Pryor has not been given a chance to prove himself in the league and surely knows his time will come soon if the Raiders continue to struggle offensively. Regardless of what the team gave up to get Palmer, the bottom line is that he was brought on to win games for a 4-2 Raiders team, not to have them further back in the AFC West standings.

The loss to the Chiefs will not jeopardize Palmer's job just yet, although another one or two atrocious performances will easily have Palmer back on the bench or on a plane back to his home in Cincinnati. Make no mistake about it.

Pryor will not see daylight for the time being, yet don't be surprised after one or two poor performances if Pryor gets the nod. For now, the organization is understanding of the fact Palmer needs more snaps and practice time to properly adjust. Rest assured, however, that Palmer is on the hot seat.