Raiders finish season with a 24-21 loss to San Diego

The Raiders ended the season the same way they started it – a loss to San Diego.  This loss was not as heartbreaking, however, as the team showed some good things including the play of Terrelle Pryor

Pryor, who had his first career start after having last started in the Sugar Bowl almost exactly two years ago on January 4^th, 2011, was both exciting and erratic but neither of those are surprising.  He was much the same in college.

The team was able to have some sustained drives with him at the helm, however, and he showed good pocket presence and vision downfield.

Pryor had his issues, certainly.  He consistently did not step into his passes which caused them to float, especially on his deeper targets.  His best moments came on downs in which the called play broke down and Pryor had to improvise.  Because of his issues with not stepping into his passes in the pocket, he actually looked more on target on the run than in the pocket.

He threw for two TD’s and ran for another marking the first time the Raiders scored 21 or more points since November 4^th, almost two months ago.

Overall, he showed enough that he should compete next season.  I doubt he is the starter in early 2013 but he should at least be the number 2 QB as he is able to develop.  If he’s able to be the number 2, that would allow the team to get another development QB, should they wish it, and see who develops better.

Also standing out in the game was receiver Rod Streater, again.  Streater was by far the most productive receiver finishing the game with 4 receptions for 77 yards.  He came down with 4 of the 5 balls that came his way.  Streater has been one of the bright spots for a struggling receiving corps this season.

The loss to San Diego put the Raiders’ final record at 4-12 and, as they had a weaker strength of schedule than other 4-12 teams, they will have the 3^rd overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.  Because the other two teams that had come into the week with only 4 wins, Philadelphia and Detroit, had both lost in the early slate of games had the Raiders won, they would have dropped two spots to the 5^th overall spot.

Now, the attention of the team and the fans will turn to free agency and the draft and hope will start to grow that the Raiders will improve in 2013.