RaidersSports

Good, Bad and Ugly from Derek Carr’s Career as a Raider

Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders are parting ways after nine years, three of which were spent in Sin City. While some fans are happy to see him go, others believe he’s being scapegoated. Either way, Carr is constantly criticized for lacking mental toughness and being ineffective in clutch situations. 

No matter where he goes next, that reputation is likely to follow him around the league. That’s why it’s important to look at things from a big-picture perspective. Join Vegas411 as we dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly from Derek Carr’s career as a Raider. 

The Good: Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders’ 10-7 season in 2021

Las Vegas,
Source. YouTube.

Derek Carr’s best year with the Raiders came in 2021 when the team finished with a 10-7 record. Not only did he help lead the team during difficult press conferences, but also backed up his words on the field. This turned out to be enough to get the Raiders a wild card spot that year.

This is the same year that Jon Gruden resigned in disgrace and Henry Ruggs got charged with murder and DUI. Despite these problems, Carr completed 428 of 626 passes for 4804 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. 

Carr also struggled with turnovers that season but made up for it with a 68.4 completion percentage and a rating of 94. Las Vegas ultimately lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 26-19. Carr almost led the team to their first playoff victory. 

The Bad: Derek Carr getting benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham

Las Vegas,
Source. https://www.facebook.com/Raiders/photos/6052725488091221

The dumbest thing Derek Carr did was sign a $121.5 million contract extension. This big-money contract forced Carr to prove himself, and the embattled QB just couldn’t do it. Not even his former Fresno State teammate, Davontae Adams, or league-rushing leader Josh Jacobs could save him! Doesn’t that tell you everything you need to know?

Carr ended the 2022 season with a 6-10 record, missing the playoffs and blowing big leads in several games. The quarterback finished with 305 completions for 3522 yards, 24 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a rating of 86.3. That’s an 8% drop from the previous season.

Carr signing this contract made him a huge liability. Maybe Carr thought it was time to get his money and get out. 

Related: Are the Las Vegas Golden Knights ready for the playoffs?

The Ugly: Derek Carr’s legacy and future value

Las Vegas Raiders,
Source.https://www.facebook.com/Raiders/photos/5922379507792487

Has Derek Carr ruined his career as a starter in the NFL? Some might see this as a ridiculous question, but his image isn’t the best right now. For example, outside of the Las Vegas bubble, he’s known as that guy who asked for too much money. 

Carr just lacks mental toughness and can’t perform in the clutch. In fact, the mental toughness comment has followed him throughout much of his career. He just has this habit of not staying in the pocket long enough to get a pass off. Almost like he is afraid of taking a hit, even if it means making a big play. 

Final Thoughts: Derek Carr must prove himself after the Las Vegas exit

Las Vegas,
Source. YouTube

The one thing that Derek Carr proved in 2022 is that he wasn’t worth the money that he asked for. Now that He’s no longer protected by management, nothing is guaranteed. He could very well sign a deal with a team and get benched before the second half of the season.

There are really only two or three roads for Carr from here. The first one is that he has a Ryan Tannehill-type revival, where a change of scenery does the trick. It would give him new weapons to work with, a new defense to lean on, and a chance to prove his haters wrong.

On the other hand, Derek Carr could flounder and get benched after a bad start to the season. That’s why Derek Carr is going to be the guy to watch in 2023.

Next: 5 things Las Vegas fans have a right to be upset about

Author