Stop me if you’ve heard this narrative: “Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek cannot win in the cold.” Well, the signal-caller has the chance to possibly bury this notion on Saturday.
After a tempestuous season filled with so many off-field debacles, Carr was able to lead the Raiders into the postseason. It was a campaign that saw Carr end the regular season with 4,804 passing yards, good for fifth in the NFL. His touchdown ratio of 23 to 14 interceptions was nothing to write home about, but it was enough. In the end, it’s about winning, and the Raiders rediscovered themselves after overcoming a near midseason collapse. With the Cincinnati Bengals waiting for the Silver and Black this Saturday, Carr will be facing another obstacle: cold weather.
How bad is it going to be? Well, the forecast calls for a high of 32 degrees with a 50 percent chance of snow. If you’re traveling to this one, Raider Nation, you better dress warmly. As far as the game, the Bengals are used to this weather. The Raiders and Carr? Not so much considering they play in the desert within the confines of the well-acclimatized Allegiant Stadium. Carr’s history of cold weather games isn’t the best, so it’s unlikely he’s looking forward to all of this.
When it comes to these types of narratives, they’re normally for conjecture, to create debate. Unfortunately, Carr’s struggles are well-documented.
0-5
Paul Dehner Jr. from The Athletic recently pointed out that Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is fully aware of this, acknowledging it in a sly way so as not to make it too much of a big deal. Needless to say, it doesn’t look too good when the temperature is 37 degrees or less. Carr is 0-5 according to Dehner.
The Raiders will continue to ride their running game, which has been on a tear. That will certainly help Carr. While the Bengals will have the weather on their side, this is why the game is played. Anything can happen.
What are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Weigh in on our poll on our Twitter page!
Okay #RaiderNation how are you feeling about the weather for Saturday's game? Any concern given Derek Carr and his struggles in the cold?
— RaiderRamble.comâ„¢ (@TheRaiderRamble) January 12, 2022
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*Top Photo: Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post