With Vick Out, Pryor And McFadden Look To Put Raiders Offense On Display
By Danny Cox
If not for a harsh rash of injuries, the Philadelphia Eagles were destined to have one of the most explosive offenses in the league this season. That looked obvious in the first game of the year, but injuries set in and took it down notch after notch after notch.
Michael Vick was in line to lead coach Chip Kelly's new offensive scheme, but his hamstring injury has taken him out twice so far this year and it could be for a long time. Nick Foles looked great replacing him, but then he got a serious concussion and the team's success sits on the shoulders of rookie Matt Barkley.
While Barkley has talent and ability; he does not have the experience, elusiveness, or skills of Vick. Therefore, the offense of the Eagles isn't nearly what it was expected to be.
With that, the Raiders are looking like they will be the explosive offense in this week's game, and that is the true hope of quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Honestly, the match-up of Vick versus Pryor was one that many NFL fans were looking forward to because it was sort of going to be a meeting of old versus new. Sadly, that won't happen and Pryor is going to want to come out and prove that he is much more than just a running quarterback and he is one that can excel in this league.
During last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Raiders played with a lead for the majority of the game and therefore, they ran the ball throughout.
Pryor had that opening game 93-yard run and ended up finishing with 106 yards total.
Darren McFadden is really someone that could have a big game this weekend against the Eagles. While Philly does have the ninth-best rushing defense in the league, they also have the second to last passing defense. That is where Pryor is going to come into play and he has got to break out here and show he's a passing quarterback.
If Pryor can get some passes down field to Rod Streater and Denarius Moore, then that would allow McFadden to open it up and run wild.
McFadden has a mere 340 yards this season and only four touchdowns. This game against the Eagles could really be his breakout game but he's going to need the help of the passing game to allow for holes to open up in Philly's defense.
Oakland has a lot to prove and they can do it against an Eagles team that was destined for greatness this season, but injuries have stricken them into failure. Now, the Raiders need to take advantage and show that they are the team with an explosive offense and run up the score on the walking wounded.
For more Raiders news and updates, visit Raiders Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
