Oakland Raiders: A few players under the biggest microscope this season
By Kevin Saito
Coming off a 2016 season in which he was a legitimate MVP candidate, Carr regressed and had a very frustrating 2017 campaign. As did the team as a whole.
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
Some of Carr’s struggles can be attributed to the fracture in his back sustained against Washington, but the lion’s share belongs on the shoulders of former offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who couldn’t devise an offense that would be effective at the Pop Warner level.
Carr’s numbers were down across the board and he was a pale imitation of the player who led seven come from behind wins in 2016, guided the Raiders to their first playoff berth since Brontosauruses roamed the Earth, and was rewarded with a contract befitting a franchise quarterback.
His down year has led some to question whether or not the Raiders made a mistake in signing him to the deal they did, and to speculate about his future.
Gruden though, seems all in on Carr at the moment. And with good reason. Carr improved in each of his first three seasons – taking the biggest leaps in his two years under former OC Bill Musgrave. It was only under Downing’s stewardship of Oakland’s offense, that Carr regressed. But then, the entire offense did.
Next: Some RB Prospects To Think About For 2019
Healthy again and armed with an actual offensive mind, as well as a competent coaching staff around him, you would have to believe that Carr will get back to looking more like the 2016 MVP candidate and less like a guy who could be supplanted by E.J. Manuel at any point.
But you better believe Gruden will be watching very closely to see which version of Carr the 2018 season brings.