The Raiders entered the win column once again after beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7. Front and center was the Las Vegas passing offense.Â
Historic Day For Derek Carr
Another game and another astonishing performance by Derek Carr in 2021. The best part of Carr’s performance in this one was the efficiency with which he played. After going 31 out of 34, many would expect he didn’t test many tight windows, but the opposite is true. His CPOE of +15.5 was the highest mark in six years, which has become the norm this season. Outside of the first half of the Chargers game and the Chicago Bears game, Carr has played like an MVP. Not only does he continuously push the ball downfield, but he also does a tremendous job of keeping it out of harm’s way.
DC let it RIP 🎯@derekcarrqb âž¡ï¸ @zayjones11
Live on FOX pic.twitter.com/fvGdi7R90P
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 24, 2021
Carr’s final statistics for the game were 31 completions for 323 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. These numbers put him as 2,269 yards passing and twelve touchdowns to five interceptions. At this rate, he will easily eclipse his career-high in passing yards while also getting very close to his career-high in touchdowns. Carr is the engine that makes this team go currently and is well on his way to a contract extension this offseason.
No Darren Waller, No Problem
Making the Raiders’ day even more impressive was the absence of Darren Waller. When it was announced pre-game that the star tight end would be inactive, many wondered how the offense would function. As it turns out, they wouldn’t miss a beat. Much of the continuity is attributed to Foster Moreau. Playing in his stead, the backup tight end recorded six receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. While he is not the dominant force that Waller is at the position, he is a reliable security blanket capable of making some tough catches. Moreau would be more involved if it wasn’t for all the offensive playmakers on the Raiders’ offense.
Carr to Moreau! #NationalTightEndsDay #RaiderNation
📺: #PHIvsLV on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/IuM0IwiKWD— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2021
No Gruden, No Problem…
Another milestone in this game was the first touchdown for Bryan Edwards. The score came on a well-designed play on fourth down in the red zone. These well-designed red zone plays have been a breath of fresh air for Raiders fans. That was a constant criticism of the offense under Jon Gruden.Â
Another often scrutinized area of the offense was Gruden’s handling of wideout Henry Ruggs III. Under Gruden, Ruggs was often relegated to running nothing but deep crossers and go routes down the sidelines. However, this season he has been given the entire route tree. That was on full display against the Eagles as he ran out-routes, slants, and hitches while keeping the offense on schedule. Ruggs is more than capable of doing all the things that are expected of a number one wideout, and Sunday proved it.
The Raiders will be almost impossible to beat when the passing offense clicks like it has the last two weeks. The quarterback is playing like an MVP candidate while he engineers one of the most explosive passing offenses in the entire league. As Las Vegas heads into the bye week, the Raiders passing offense doesn’t need any improvement.
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*Top Photo: Michael Clemens/Las Vegas RaidersÂ