After an atrocious second half against the Rams in Week 1, Derek Carr bounces back with a stellar performance but fell short in a loss at Denver
Raider Nation is a fickle land. Full of excitement, loyalty, and passion, it can be a place of extreme support and love and one of unhinged vitriol. Especially when it comes to Derek Carr.
Silencing many of the critics who were quick to write him off this season after one loss, Carr turned in an inspired performance helped by a smart and efficient game plan by coach Jon Gruden and staff. Carr set a new NFL record as the only quarterback with at least 30 pass attempts and a 90+ completion percentage in a single game. Carr’s 90.6% completion rate was also the fourth-highest in a single game in NFL history among quarterbacks with at least 20 attempts in a game. After turning the ball over three times against the Rams, Carr didn’t have one against Denver.
Some fans called the performance “garbage.” No, really.
Carr finished the day 29-of-32 for 288 yards and the one touchdown. His passer rating finished at 114.6 a week after notching an embarrassing 62.8 in the loss to Los Angeles. It was the phoenix rising from the ashes type of performance the quarterback needed and his team needed him to have.
Carr set a new NFL record as the only quarterback with at least 30 pass attempts and a 90+ completion percentage in a single game.
Despite this natural improvement and progression, some are still blaming Carr for today’s loss. It’s preposterous and laughable.
Whether its unrealistic expectations or just fans who don’t know any better, Carr doesn’t deserve the singular blame for today’s crushing loss against division foe Denver. There was the Keith Smith drop on 4th-and-inches; there was the ill-advised Bruce Irvin penalty that gave the Broncos a new lease on life, and there was inconsistent offensive line play on the right side. And, despite the deserving credit for natural progression and improvement on playing calling, there were coaching mistakes too. The simple truth is this: you win and lose as a team.
Those continuing their assault on Carr were probably the same folks who have criticized him incessantly since last year. They’re the same people who spread untrue and unfounded rumors last year that the Raiders offensive line was letting Carr get hurt as retribution for him not participating in anthem protests. They’re the same group now saying Gruden was a bad hire after two weeks.
To be frank, these people don’t know their backside from a hole in the ground.
Is Carr anywhere closer to being at the level of an elite NFL quarterback? No. He has more to prove and consistency is what matters in the NFL. Still, this new negativity that’s already reared its head is troublesome.
Raiders fans like this can praise and damn the same quarterback, the same coach, the same owner, the rest of the fans while then praising them after a big win. It’s laughable.
Carr deserves credit for bouncing back from a horrible second half to open the season. He came out in Denver and showed he’s working on becoming the player most think he can be.
For those that can’t see that, you might consider changing your diet to include more carrots.