The Raiders have announced the acquisition of quarterback Matt Flynn. And just as it was when we spoke to G.M. Reggie McKenzie at the Scouting Combine, “competition” remains the buzz word for the position.
“We’re going to let him compete and battle, and see what happens,” McKenzie said of Flynn in the team’s press release. “We know Raider Nation wants a team that can compete for the playoffs year-in and year-out and we’re putting in the necessary work right now to make that happen. This is one of the many decisions in that process.”
McKenzie also touted Flynn’s potential but freely acknowledged that, for now, potential is all that Flynn has shown.
“I’ve known Matt Flynn since 2007 and scouted him before and after he entered the NFL,” McKenzie said. “Matt is a tough football player, and a talented quarterback. He will get the opportunity to compete to be a starter with the Raiders. I believe Matt has that potential, but I also know he hasn’t had enough experience.”
He’ll get the experience if he can win the starting job. If he can’t, sooner or later the assessment of his potential fairly should be questioned.