Derek Carr has been one of the most controversial figures in Las Vegas Raiders history. However, he has steadily taken control of the narrative and has become the leader the team needs.
The Raiders made the right choice when they decided to keep Carr
Last season, Derek Carr finished with career-highs in passing yards with 4,051 and completion percentage with 70.1. Nevertheless, it felt like something was missing. It could have been the fact he scored a “mere” 21 touchdowns or that he hasn’t been able to beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead in his career. Also, let’s not forget the Raiders finished the season with a 7-9 record. Although football is a team sport, quarterbacks must elevate the talent around him and it didn’t seem that way in 2019.
This past offseason, there was a report Carr was being shopped. Just because a trade didn’t materialize, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t true. Whether the Raiders didn’t get an offer they liked or there wasn’t a market for the quarterback, Carr is now at the helm and nobody is changing that. They signed Marcus Mariota but the Oregon standout has failed to distinguish himself in training camp. Whatever controversy, fabricated or real, that existed when Mariota signed should be put to rest moving forward.
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This is Derek Carr’s team
Regardless of what happened or didn’t happen in the offseason, this is now Carr’s team. The Raiders surrounded him with weapons and have put him in a position to succeed. They drafted Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. Moreover, they signed wide receiver Nelson Agholor and tight end Jason Witten. This is arguably Carr’s best supporting cast he has had in his career.
Hunter Renfrow and Zay Jones among others are on the record and say Carr has pushed them and led them. Likewise, general manager Mike Mayock is “pleased” with the way Carr has taken over the team. Mayock says everything started in those offseason throwing sessions Raiders players had in the offseason.
Carr has done what he said he would and has let his work speak for itself. The fact others acknowledge his effort should encourage the Raiders and their fandom moving forwards. Even if Carr isn’t the best quarterback in the NFL, it shouldn’t matter. He’s good enough to get the job done with the weapons the Silver and Black provided him with these past two years.
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Top Photo: Marcio Jose Sánchez/Associated Press