The Oakland Raiders are hoping that Matt Flynn turns out to be the quarterback they think he can be. After spending years as a backup to Aaron Rodgers, Flynn then went to the Seattle Seahawks where he quickly lost the starting position to rookie Russell Wilson. Now with the Raiders, Flynn has a chance to be the starting quarterback once again and the Raiders are thrilled with what they see.
Flynn is slowly stepping into the role of starter and leader for the young Raiders team. As OTAs wrap up and mandatory minicamps begin, Flynn is working hard to make his presence known, hopeful of being the go-to guy for years to come.
"Everybody has a different leadership style. If you're going to become a leader, you need to find that niche, how you fit into the system, fit into guys in the locker room, and just go accordingly. It's something you feel out as you work with the guys and are around them," Flynn said.
The presumed starting quarterback is working to fit into that system sooner rather than later. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson is devising up a new system that will suit Flynn's playing style. Things got off to a rough start, but as practices continue, Flynn is looking more and more like the quarterback Oakland wants. Olson continues to have Flynn practice short and accurate throws and then plans to move into deeper passes later on.
"We're doing a lot of motions and trying to get favorable matchups. There are always deep options, but right now I think we're trying to get some completions, not force anything downfield and really kind of taking what they're giving us," Flynn said.
The Raiders seem prepared to stick with a more traditional offense rather than moving towards a more read-option style of play. Prior to acquiring Flynn, Olson had indicated the Raiders might try out a more mobile system with backup Terrelle Pryor if he improves during the offseason. However, the Raiders instead signed Flynn and then Tyler Wilson, a pocket-passing quarterback, and signed Matt McGloin with the same skill set.
Now, Pryor is looking like the odd man out. Both Wilson and McGloin have impressed the team in recent practices, while Pryor is being told he needs to do more in order to stay on the roster. Oakland is considering a trade or simply releasing the former Ohio State quarterback.
