Derek Carr’s Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Before we measure Carr’s head and ring sizes for the preseason victory awards, there are some large looming demons standing in his way of achieving the MVP distinction.
- Right side of the O-line- Brandon Parker, Alex Leatherwood, Dylan Parham, or whoever is blocking the right side of the line has got to be better at protecting Carr. Everything is in place for the offense to be special. But it all goes up in smoke if the line doesn’t hold.
- Kansas City 2x-Â “Woooooooo…To be the man you gotta beat the man.” -Â Ric Flair. If Week 18 at home against the Chiefs isn’t for the AFC West division crown, it’s not going to happen, unless it’s already been secured.
- Turnovers– Carr cannot lead or be near the top of the league in fumbles. Historically, he is smart with his decision making and safe enough with the football in terms of throwing interceptions. But the word is out. If you put heat on him early, he will enter the giving mood and pass out gifts to the defense.
- Staring down receivers– Usually, the pitfalls of this involve getting guys hurt and leading the defense straight to the ball. However, this particular adaptation of staring down receivers means missing open guys. There is going to be an open receiver or two in this offense every time out. There is no need to stare at one guy; there are plenty of options available. Staring down receivers is only going to limit Carr’s production.
Undersell and overdeliver
Talk is cheap, promises get broken, excuses get made. Last year, the Raiders made the playoffs. Everyone seems to want to forget that when they talk about other teams in the conference and division. The Raiders ran the gauntlet to get to the playoffs and vanquished nearly all the teams placed in front of them now. Carr and the Raiders don’t need to say anything; their play can speak loudly enough.
To whom much is given, much is expected. Carr has the best offensive talent in the league, and the only thing stopping him from becoming an MVP is Derek Carr. The sky is his limit.
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*Top Photo: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports