Oakland Raiders: A Few Predictions For Week Two Game With Falcons

Carr Throws The Lights Out

We’ve seen Derek Carr‘s progression from his rookie season. He made a quantum leap from that first year to last season, establishing himself as the franchise quarterback the Raiders have been looking for – a search that’s gone on well over a decade and a couple of dozen quarterbacks.

What we saw on Sunday though, might have been the next step in Carr’s evolution from talented, intelligent youngster with high upside to perhaps, one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

Despite being down 14 in a hostile environment like the Superdome, Carr led his team to 25 second half points – 22 in the decisive fourth quarter – to notch the thrilling comeback win.

It’s the sort of game we’ve seen the Raiders lose all too many of in the past. Though Carr did lead four fourth quarter wins last season, when it came down to crunch time, the Raiders were often shaky at best.

This year though, after that first game, things just feel – different. There is a confidence around this team that’s palpable. And in their season opener, it translated to their play on the field.

Consider, in the decisive game-winning drive, Carr calmly led his team on an 11 play, 75 yard drive for the go ahead score. With an 18 yard pass to tight end Clive Walford, a 12 yard completion to Michael Crabtree, and the 10 yard scoring toss to Seth Roberts, Carr was cool, calm, and efficient.

And that was in a very hostile environment on the road.

In the friendly and raucous confines of the Black Hole, we can and should expect Carr to be as good, if not better than he was in New Orleans.

Carr has proven that he’s capable of being mentioned among some of the league’s best. And on Sunday, he’s going to continue to prove that he does indeed belong in the conversation. He’s going to dissect Atlanta’s offense and have a big day throwing the ball.

Expect Carr to throw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns.

Next: Redemption Is at Hand