After two strong performances to start the season, General Manager Reggie McKenzie sat down with local writers to discuss numerous topics including Terrelle Pryor and if he feels any vindication from the team slowly moving up in media power rankings.
Pryor has received national attention for his play and has reenergized the fan base, but McKenzie believes his strong play so far has done more than that according to Raiders.com:
“I think he energizes more than just the fan base. He energizes his teammates. Anybody that’s watching, everybody likes to see big plays and he’s a big guy. So yes, the fan base, I’m definitely sure they love to see him play.”
Through the entire off-season, the Raiders were considered the worst team in the league or in the conversation with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After distancing themselves from the Jaguars, the team has moved up in power rankings. However, it doesn’t provide any vindication for McKenzie as he wants to make the playoffs:
“Our goal is to win. Try to win as many games as we can and try to get to the playoffs. Of course, we understand all the factors that factor in. We’re not going in blind. We had to [zero] in on a quarterback and other positions, but we feel that we’re going in the right direction and that’s key.”
While the Raiders are rebuilding, there is a new excitement in Oakland. As long as the players continue to develop and the organization brings in the right pieces, the playoffs are in the near future. For now, the fans are excited to watch the development of Pryor and how far he will be able to lead the Raiders in his first season as starter.
