ALAMEDA – With young, athletic backup quarterbacks all the rage in the NFL, particularly in the Bay Area, it only makes sense the Raiders would consider giving Terrelle Pryor a shot.

Though it's unlikely to resemble the sea change going on with Colin Kaepernick in San Francisco, Raiders coach Dennis Allen said Monday he and his coaches have discussed the possibility of taking a look at Pryor in some capacity.

It's unclear whether that might be at quarterback or in some kind of special package that takes advantage of Pryor's impressive combination of size, speed and elusiveness.

"He's working to get better, and he's working to improve," Allen said of Pryor. "He's gotten better as a quarterback. I don't think any of us feel like he's the finished product, including himself, but he has worked to improve."

Pryor, 23, aquired in the June 2011 supplemental draft, wasn't available for comment. He has yet to attempt a regular-season pass with Oakland and has been inactive every week this season.

During exhibition games, he showed glimpses of what he can do with his legs and his strong arm. But the Raiders will have to decide whether Pryor is worthy of being Carson Palmer's successor or if there's some way to use him other than as the full-time quarterback.

Allen said he and his coaches will continue to weigh other ways to turn around the team after four consecutive losses. The Raiders host Cleveland on Sunday.

"We've got to look at any options," Allen said. "Players and coaches, we've all got to be held accountable. We've got a standard that we uphold ourselves to, and we haven't lived up to that standard yet."

Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said he is having a hard time comprehending how the Raiders went from 8-8 and one win shy of the AFC West title last season to a team that is struggling.

"It's been mind-blowing," Kelly said. "I would have never, in my wildest dreams, thought we would be 3-8 right now."

Asked for a reason, Kelly didn't mince words.

"A whole multitude of things," Kelly said. "Defense, offense, special teams, the whole team has not gotten the job done. We've just got to play a little better over the last five weeks."

Pass defense remains a huge issue. The Raiders and Washington have allowed the most touchdown passes (23). Oakland's defense also ranks last in opposing quarterback rating (101.9).

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