Oakland Raiders: Notes And Observations From Preseason Game #2
By Kevin Saito
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
10. Derek Carr Shakes Off Slow Start To Have Decent Night
Carr – and the Raiders offense – got off to a slow start against the Vikings. On their first drive, the Raiders found themselves backed up against their goal line. One of their 13 penalties on the night pushed them back even deeper. Pinned back so far, it is somewhat understandable that the offense took a minute to get clicking.
Following a three yard burst by Murray, Carr then fired off two straight incompletions – and neither of them looked very good. Oakland was forced to punt on the three and out. On Oakland’s next drive though, Carr and the offense started to get themselves into a rhythm. Carr completed two straight passes – a 12 yarder to Marcel Reece and a 40 yard bomb to Amari Cooper. Murray ran it in from two yards out a couple of plays later to stake Oakland to a 6-0 lead.
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For the night, Carr went completed four of eight passes for 78 yards. His average yards per attempt was a robust 9.8 which should make those pocket protector sabermetricians out there very happy indeed.
It’s a good sign that Carr was able to shake off a slow start to have a productive night. He threw a couple of bad passes, but he also hit some really terrific ones. And to a variety of different receivers, showing off his new arsenal of weaponry.
While he wasn’t spectacular – and truth be told, Teddy Bridgewater made more plays than he did – Carr was solid and put together a performance that kept his team in the ballgame. He did not turn the ball over and made the most of what he had. It was just the sort of performance you’d want out of your starting quarterback.
Next: A Fifth Round Steal