Oakland Raiders: A Few Notable Numbers Through Two Weeks Of Play

75

There were a lot of people out there wondering if quarterback Derek Carr was “worth” the $125 million dollar deal he signed with the Raiders this offseason. He hasn’t won anything, they said. He’s can’t beat Kansas City, they said. He’s not elite, they said. He hasn’t even claimed a division title, they said.

He’s hopefully beginning to show, in a convincing fashion, that yes, he is in fact, developing into elite quarterback and is worth the money the team is investing in him.

More from Las Vegas Raiders News

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
• Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
• Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
• Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots

Carr’s growth over the course of his first three seasons has been as steady as it is remarkable. Now in his fourth season under center for the Raiders, Carr – after a broken leg ended his 2016 season and denied him his first start in the playoffs – is back and is looking better than ever.

Through the first two games, Carr is throwing passes at a 75 percent clip (45 of 60). He’s throwing for fewer yards per game thus far, but that’s a testament to his improved efficiency as well as the talent around him.

What’s been most impressive is Carr’s command of the offense. The way he takes control and owns it. There is absolutely no question that this is Carr’s offense – much in the way of an elite level quarterback.

Free from the shackles former OC Bill Musgrave had on him, Carr is finding the freedom to operate a bit more independently under OC Todd Downing. And the results, so far, are fantastic. Carr’s 75 percent completion rate sits only behind Sam Bradford, Alex Smith, and Eli Manning – and Bradford only played one game.

Is Carr worth his $125 million dollar deal? The early returns say, a resounding yes.