After trading veteran quarterback Carson Palmer to the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL off-season, the Oakland Raiders were able to bring in Matt Flynn from the Seattle Seahawks. Flynn was acquired to be the starting quarterback and potentially the new face of the franchise in Oakland, but the Raiders’ coaching staff have begun to realize the veteran may have a limited skill set.
According to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle via Twitter, the coaching staff has come to grips with the fact that Flynn might not be able to throw for more 25 yards:
Flynn just not going to have success throwing longer than 25 yards, been clear all camp. Coaches have accepted that
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 14, 2013
Before signing with the Seahawks in 2012, Flynn made a case for being a starting quarterback in NFL with an incredible performance while filling in for Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers. Flynn set franchise records in yards (480) and touchdown passes (6) while taking over for the resting Rodgers against the division rival Detroit Lions.
Unfortunately for Flynn, Russell Wilson beat out the veteran in Seattle for the starting job during training camp last year. Flynn’s future was in serious doubt after Wilson emerged as the better option for the Seahawks. The Raiders then acquired Flynn in a trade in order to replace the recently dealt Palmer, but hasn’t proven to be a game-changer for the team, especially after learning of his arm strength limitations.
Although Flynn is limited in terms of being unable to be a passing threat beyond 25 yards, the veteran still appears to have a tight grip as a starter with the Raiders. Terrelle Pryor definitely brings a different dynamic that may ultimately prove to be the best option under center for Oakland, but moving forward the team seems content with Flynn as the number one option at quarterback.
