Matt Flynn Ready To Compete For Oakland Raiders Starting QB Job

Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) warms up before a game against the St. Louis Rams at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

When Carson Palmer was on his way out of Oakland, it looked like Terrelle Pryor was going to inherit the role. Then the Oakland Raiders traded for Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn and instantly creating a quarterback competition in the Bay area.

But Flynn, who lost the job last year to rookie Russell Wilson, isn’t afraid of a little competition.

“I want everything that I get to be earned. I don’t wanna be given anything. I love competition; I love doing that whole deal. I really do,” Flynn said, via Sports Radio Interviews. “I feel like I thrive on it and play better with it.”

While losing the starting job to a undersized rookie last season could have shaken his confidence, Flynn says it serves as motivation for the future.

“I want that more now. It’s lit a hotter fire under my tail, so it’s something that I’m gonna give it 100 percent.”

He was asked if it is tough to overcome having one year of college experience as a starter, and only a few NFL games under his belt.

“I don’t look at it that way. I have found a way to develop myself as a player by watching and making the most of every rep that I’ve gotten, whether it’s in practice or whether it’s in the game,” Flynn said.

“Definitely there’s an experience level that comes with it that you can’t gain by being in practice and stuff, but I don’t look at it as saying, ‘Wow, this is gonna be a tough job.’ … I look at it as an exciting opportunity that I have to come in here and compete. I get to come in here and compete to be the starter, and what an opportunity that is.”