Oakland Raiders: Nine Players Who Must Play Big For Team To Succeed
By Kevin Saito
Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after the Raiders defeated the Buffalo Bills 26-24 at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr
Of course, the Raiders need Carr to step up. Big time. So him being on a list like this is obviously, a no-brainer.
With more than 3,000 yards passing and 21 touchdowns, Carr had a solid rookie campaign. He showed that he has the ability to be the cool and poised field general the Raiders need. Even better, he showed that he has the sort of ability, as well as attitude, to be Oakland’s franchise quarterback for some years to come.
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That being said, Carr wasn’t perfect in 2014. Far from it. He did make some very boneheaded rookie mistakes, as well as some effort mistakes – trying to do too much or make a play that wasn’t there. Among his dozen interceptions were a few that he never should have thrown to begin with.
But then, he was a rookie thrown straight into the fire. And unlike some rookie QB’s of the past, Carr did not flinch. If anything, he proved that the NFL game was in fact, not too big for him.
But for the Raiders to succeed, Carr is going to need to take the next big step in his development. He is going to have to cut down on the rookie mistakes and learn that sometimes, it’s better to eat the ball than force it somewhere it doesn’t fit.
Though Carr takes a lot of flak for his terrible 5.5 YPA average last season, it’s not necessarily criticism that’s entirely fair. Former OC Greg Olson ran an offense that relied heavily on short and intermediate routes, and wasn’t known for taking a lot of shots deeper. Add to that mix, the fact that Oakland didn’t have many truly reliable targets downfield, and that number becomes a little more understandable.
That being said, Carr will need to raise that YPA number. In a new offensive system being run by OC Bill Musgrave – and incorporating elements of the style of offense he ran very effectively at Fresno State – Raiders fans can and should expect Carr to reach that next level this season.
Given that he’s the focal point of the offense, the Raiders desperately need Carr to play big.
Next: Anchor of the Offensive Line