What happened? The Las Vegas Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr were on a roll heading into Thursday Night Football. Rather than deliver on Raider Nation’s hopes, they were treated to a choke job of epic proportions. Many had a feeling this had the makings of a trap game, and that’s what happened. However, don’t let that distract you from a painful fact: Carr was outdueled by a quarterback that was released on Monday by his previous team. Let that sink in.
The stat line is something to behold. Carr, a nine-year veteran with Davante Adams and Mack Hollins on his team, managed to complete just 11 passes. On top of that, two interceptions derailed the offense. By comparison, Baker Mayfield, who was waived and claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, led his team to victory in the end. Mayfield completed 22 out of 35 passes on the night and, of course, a touchdown on the game-winning drive.
It’s wild to think how Mayfield delivered all things considered. He was traded by the Cleveland Browns back in July, reports were rampant of him being a malcontent. After failing to move the needle with the Carolina Panthers, the team felt they were better off without him. Fast forward a few days and in front of a global audience, he led his new team downfield on an eight-play, 98-yard drive. There’s even talk now that Mayfield could compete as Matthew Stafford’s backup in 2023; that was fast.
Derek Carr will bounce back, right?
We can all see that. Take the sack. Get 3 more points. https://t.co/hIyNDzn3B6
— Moe Moton (@MoeMoton) December 9, 2022
The fact is, this is going to be a long ten days for the Raiders’ signal-caller. In his defense, the offensive gameplan completely shifted in the second half. Clearly, head coach Josh McDaniels went conservative to try and protect the lead they had at halftime. As a result, the entire situation collapsed as the offense was unable to get anything going as it averaged less than four yards per carry per rushing attempt during that stretch. Well, so much for the playoffs.
*Top Photo: USA Today