NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Instead of one dual-threat quarterback, the Titans are preparing for dual quarterbacks that pose different threats when Tennessee visits Oakland Sunday.
The Titans weren't expecting Raiders coach Dennis Allen to declare undrafted rookie QB Matt McGloin as the starter for Sunday's game until they had to, but Allen did so Wednesday.
Tennessee, however, is likely to continue preparing for the pocket passer as well as more mobile third-year pro Terrelle Pryor, who leads the Raiders with 504 rushing yards on 68 carries this season.
"They have two different types of quarterbacks, so we're obviously preparing for Pryor and what he does, the element he adds to the game," Titans coach Mike Munchak said. "He makes plays with his legs, and we've struggled with some of that this year. Matt (McGloin) did a great job last week, so it's just a matter of, I guess, what they want and how healthy Pryor really is as far as a guy that has to run and use his legs."
McGloin made his first career start last week at Houston in place of Pryor (knee injury), throwing for 197 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in leading the Raiders (4-6) past the Texans. Allen said there's a possibility both could play, adding, "If (Pryor) is healthy enough to play, then he will be active in the game."
McGloin is from Scranton, Pa., the same hometown as Munchak, and both attended Penn State. Munchak said he met McGloin's father when he went back to Pennsylvania for Joe Paterno's memorial service, so he knew of the young QB. Titans players were still learning McGloin's name but they definitely noticed the performance.
"The kid from Penn State does a good job of making the throws: three touchdowns, no interceptions, an undrafted rookie to come in and put that type of performance, that lets you know he's confident and poised," cornerback Jason McCourty said. "He knows what to do, so we've got to prepare for both of those guys."
Added linebacker Zach Brown: "Pryor might come back, and if he does, you don't not want to be prepared for the zone read. I don't know who the other kid is, for him, you've just got to be ready because he had three touchdowns and no interceptions in his debut. He's short (6-foot-1), so we've got to make sure we get our hands up and pressure him because he's not as fast. You've got to make sure you get him out of the pocket because he looked comfortable when he was in the pocket."
Perhaps the biggest difference the Titans will take is in their pass-rush approach, depending on who is in the game. Tennessee will likely be more aggressive in going after McGloin and more likely to maintain containment on Pryor.
"I think that's something you have to adjust. I think if you're a defensive lineman, you have to be much more aware of Pryor because of how he can hurt you with his legs, as far as staying in your rush lanes," Munchak said. "It's similar to how it was here over the years when we had (Steve) McNair then we'd have Neil O'Donnell go in. So, a defense always had to be ready for a little bit of both when those guys were banged up. You have to be very aware as a defense with who's playing at quarterback because of how badly he can hurt you."
HUNTER CLEARS TEST: Rookie receiver Justin Hunter passed the final test for concussion symptoms.
"The funny thing was my test came back better than my baseline test, so it probably knocked some sense into me, somebody said, so I've got everything squared away," Hunter said. "I felt real good today, running routes and everything, no headaches so I'm ready to go."
Hunter suffered concussion-like symptoms after landing while trying to catch a deep pass against Indianapolis on Nov. 14. He said he was looking forward to playing against former Tennessee Volunteers teammates Denarius Moore and Mychal Rivera.
INJURY UPDATES: Munchak said Moise Fokou "did about everything so it's just about getting through any setbacks the next couple of days but he's getting better every day." Fokou started the first six games of the season before suffering a knee injury at Seattle on Oct. 13 that's sidelined him since. … C Brian Schwenke was limited but "heading in the right direction," Munchak said. … RT David Stewart practiced fully for the second consecutive day "so we think he's kind of over the hump, hopefully, for the rest of the year." Click here for the full injury report.
AUTOGRAPH SESSION:McCourty and Alterraun Verner are scheduled to sign autographs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Smyrna Kroger (463 Sam Ridley Parkway). Click here for more information.
