Opinion: The top ‘Pryor’-ity, making the case for Browns’ pro-bowl choice

Max Miller
Fri, 30 Sep 2016 15:02:29 +0000
Football, Sports, Cleveland Browns, Corey Coleman, Hue Jackson, Josh Gordon, Josh McCown, NFL, Pro Bowl, Robert Griffin III, Terrelle Pryor

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor catches a pass under pressure from Baltimore Ravens Lardarius Webb in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Credit: Courtesy TNS

Coming off of a monster game against Miami, the Cleveland Browns are looking for ways to utilize their newest emerging weapon: Terrelle Pryor. Last week he recorded 144 yards receiving along with 21 yards rushing, a touchdown and 35 yards passing. Sort of a jack-of-all trades, Pryor found ways to move the ball any way he could.?

Pryor, a former Ohio State quarterback, has experience throwing the ball in his college days as well as in the NFL. As of late, he has made the transition into the athlete role whether it be as a running back, quarterback or receiver.

Originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders, he played quarterback for them in 2011-2013. The Raiders parted ways with Pryor, mainly because of his inconsistent play at the quarterback position. He has struggled mightily as a passer over the past couple of years, but due to depth chart issues he was pushed into the quarterback role once again.
It’s clear that the Cleveland Browns are having a rough start to the season. With the injuries to Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown and Corey Coleman, the Browns are scraping anything they can together to win even one ball game this season. Pryor has taken a step forward and shown he is one of the best athletes on the Browns’ roster. Browns head coach Hue Jackson said he is looking forward to using Pryor in various ways the next couple of weeks.

Needless to say, Pryor is a shining light in a very, very dark room.?Pryor has had flashes of brilliance in the past, but has fallen short many times. His time in Oakland was very inconsistent. He once broke the NFL record for the longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in NFL history, however he also threw nearly twice as many interceptions as he did touchdowns in 2013. Browns fans have reason to be excited about Pryor’s talent, but the consistency is still very much in question.

In the pre-season, Pryor and Griffin III seemed to have a very good connection. Pryor had multiple receptions over 40 yards including one on opening week against Philadelphia. Pryor’s hands are strong, but questionable as he’s dropped a multitude of passes during the preseason.?

The return of Josh Gordon to the field was thought to be a good opportunity for Pryor. However, Gordon has delayed his return by entering a rehab center, so defenses will be paying the most attention to Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge.

Pryor will have more chances to make plays given that he will no longer be the center of attention. If rookie quarterback Cody Kessler can step up, Pryor has a legitimate shot at reaching the Pro Bowl. The Browns have some deadly weapons in their arsenal going forward, with Pryor being one of the more promising ones.