Oakland Raiders v. Kansas City Chiefs: Five Things That Must Happen

Carr Must Play Like A Franchise QB

We’ve seen a steady line of progression from Derek Carr’s first year until now. He made a tremendous jump in effectiveness and efficiency from year one to year three – so much so, that the team rewarded him with a five-year, $125 million dollar deal this offseason.

A deal worthy of a franchise quarterback and one that briefly, made him the highest paid player in the game.

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And through the season’s first two games, he looked the part of a franchise quarterback, more or less, going 45 of 60 (a 75 percent completion rate) for 492 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He was quick, sharp, and efficient in leading the Raiders to two straight wins to open the year.

Since then though, it’s been a completely different story. Though, he missed a game with injury after suffering a transverse process fracture in his back, Carr has played in three other games. And in those three games, he’s gone a combined 50 of 79 (63 percent completion rate) for 432 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

In short, for whatever reason, starting in week three, Carr has looked like anything but a franchise quarterback.

And tonight, in a prime-time matchup with a division rival, Carr is going to have to step up and be the guy who earned the $125 million dollar deal. He’s going to have to play like a franchise quarterback and not a career backup.

History is not on his side though. In six career games against Kansas City, Carr is 1-5, owns a 55 percent completion rate, has thrown six touchdowns against five interceptions, and a less than stellar QB rating of just 68.1.

For whatever reason, the Chiefs have always had Carr’s number – and that is something that needs to change. Starting tonight.

Oakland’s season is literally hanging in the balance. It might be next to impossible to dig themselves out of a 2-5 hole – with three division losses. If they lose to the Chiefs tonight, their playoff hopes are going to be on life support.

They need Carr, more than anything, to step up, play like a franchise quarterback, and slay this bogeyman that’s haunted him his entire career, as young as it is.

If Carr struggles against the Chiefs like he has throughout his career – and like he has in his past three games – it very well could be a long night in what will be a long season.