Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders are in a tough spot going into the 2020 NFL season. They’re improving, but to win the AFC West, they have to get past Kansas City.
5. Derek Carr provides consistency
The Las Vegas Raiders have been improving since Jon Gruden took over in 2018. They made some questionable moves early, like the Khalil Mack trade, but they’ve made up for it with defensive signings and draft picks during the last two seasons.
The one thing they need to get right now is consistent quarterback play from Derek Carr.
Carr had a decent 2019 season, where he went 7-9 as a starter, but threw 21 touchdowns to just eight interceptions en route to his second straight 4,000-yard season. He had a career-high 7.9 yards per attempt, along with a 100.8 quarterback rating.
As the offense is growing and adding weapons, Carr needs to add on from his 2019 season to help the Raiders win the AFC West for the first time in his career.
In Carr’s defense, he’s been thin of weapons for most of his career. Things will be different this season though, as the Raiders have added Hunter Renfrow and drafted Henry Ruggs III. Josh Jacobs is going into Year 2 of this offense, where there are high expectations for him to improve from his amazing rookie season.
This is one of the first times in Carr’s career where he’s going to have little to no excuses. The Raiders have added playmakers, he has a solid running back, and his offensive line has improved. Vegas will go as far as Carr will take it.