We waited for months for the NFL season to take place and just like that, its first Sunday already came and went. The Las Vegas Raiders took on the Carolina Panthers and got their first win of the year. Although running back Josh Jacobs was the team’s most important contributor, quarterback Derek Carr had a pretty good game as well.Â
Derek Carr helped the Raiders win their first game in 2020
Jacobs finished the game with 25 carries for 93 yards and three touchdowns. Moreover, the sophomore running back hauled in four passes for 44 yards. He played like a potential Offensive Player of the Years and carried the Raiders in their win against Carolina. Meanwhile, Carr had an effective game himself. He finished the day with 22 completions for 239 yards and one passing touchdown.
Even though Carr’s total yards don’t look great on paper, judging solely on that is short-sighted. Head coach Jon Gruden’s approach focused on running the ball and short passes. However, whenever Gruden wanted to stretch the field, Carr answered the call. His touchdown pass to wide receiver Nelson Agholor and the 45-yard gem rookie Henry Ruggs III caught are examples of efficient quarterback play.
Carr had averaged almost eight yards (7.96) per attempt. That’s hardly the average of a quarterback that dinks and throws a five-yard dump-off on third-and-20. Also, it’s one full yard more than Carr’s 6.9 average. The quarterback followed his coach’s game plan and executed it accordingly even if it asked him to throw for less than 300 yards.
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Carr is happy regardless of how they earned their victory
After the team’s 34-30 win, Carr said the Raiders have the tools to wins. He doesn’t care if the wide receivers he’s throwing the ball to are rookies. It doesn’t matter if the team’s right tackles are down, they will find a way to defeat their opponents.
My mindset isn’t about there’s two rookie receivers, my mindset is that we are equipped to accomplish what we need to accomplish. I’m proud of our guys that we did it, I’m proud of our guys for coming back and winning that game. I’m so happy for our fans, everyone who’s struggled through COVID, lost their jobs, anything like that. Just wanted to see the Raiders win. I’m proud.
Carr is right and is taking the right approach, his focus is on what he can control. That kind of mindset helped him have a good game against the Panthers and should serve him well in the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints.
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Top Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images
