Some things are a lot different for Matt McGloin than they were a year ago.

This time last year, the West Scranton native and Penn State graduate was a rookie with the Oakland Raiders trying to learn the intricacies of being a quarterback in the National Football League.

Now, McGloin is a year older, a year wiser and knows what to expect.

"I'm definitely a lot further along than I was last year," McGloin said. "Things have gotten a lot easier in terms of the playbook and stuff like that. So I feel real good where I'm at."

One thing hasn't changed for McGloin, however. That is the challenge of having to prove himself again.

During the offseason, the Raiders made a number of moves at quarterback. In March, they acquired 10-year veteran Matt Schaub from the Houston Texans for a sixth-round draft pick.

Next, they dealt last year's starter Terrelle Pryor to the Seattle Seahawks. Then, they took heralded prospect Derek Carr in the second round of the NFL Draft. At Fresno State, Carr threw for more than 12,000 yards and 113 career touchdowns.

The Raiders also signed veteran Trent Edwards.

Some reports after the team's recent organized team activities and minicamp say Carr has exceeded the Raiders' expectations and already has passed McGloin as No. 2 on the depth chart.

McGloin said he tries not to concern himself too much with what management or the coaching staff does, simply because he has no control over it.

"All I can do is stay positive, control what I can control and make the most of my reps and my opportunities when I get in there," McGloin said. "Everything else is out of my hands. I'm just at the point where you've got to protect your job."

Last season, McGloin made his way up the Raiders depth chart. He went from undrafted free agent to starting quarterback by midseason.

Appearing in seven games (six starts), he threw for 1,547 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Looking back, McGloin felt he did some good things, but could have done better and made his share of rookie mistakes.

However, he knows that excuse won't cut it this year.

"You can't allow yourself to make the same mistakes you made last year," McGloin said. "I think I've been doing a pretty good job of not doing a lot of those things I did last year throughout OTAs and minicamp.

"You notice it when you watch yourself on film and you talk to your QB coach. They're seeing progress. It's a production-based business. You've got to continue to produce and play well if you want to stick around."

The Raiders report to training camp July 24 in Napa, California. Between then and now, McGloin will be home. But he will be lifting weights, doing conditioning and throwing the football — working on everything possible in order to make sure he sticks around.

"I'll get into a nice routine and prepare myself for camp," McGloin said. "The offseason flies by. So I make sure I have a good routine and take care of what I need to take care of both physically and mentally so I'm at the top of my game when camp opens."

Oakland's first preseason game is Aug. 8 at the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders open the regular season Sept. 7 on the road against the New York Jets.