Richard Sherman Challenges Derek Carr Ahead of Raiders-Seahawks

Aug 28, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes for a first down during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Last time the Oakland Raiders played the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4 of the preseason, rookie quarterback Derek Carr made a point to challenge Richard Sherman often during the first quarter stretch in which first team offense and defense faced off. As many recall, Carr won that battle on the way to earning the starting job for the Raiders from Week One forward.

Since Carr has played well, but hasn’t helped the Raiders earn their first victory yet in a tough 0-7 start to the season. Seattle’s season has been just as trying given their expectations as defending champions as the Seahawks are 4-3 through their first seven games. On Sunday both Carr and Sherman will collide again, with the vocal defensive back challenging as well as expecting Carr to test him again.

Calling Carr a “gunslinger” there was a challenge issued by Sherman in his midweek press conference, telling Seattle media that the rookie “doesn’t no better,” as the reason for Carr’s willingness to challenge him.

From the Tacoma News Tribune: 

"“He’s not afraid to take shots. He’s a gunslinger,” Sherman said.I asked the All-Pro cornerback yesterday if he was surprised that Carr went right at him and the NFL’s top pass defense last season — Seattle’s 28 interceptions led the league — in what was his first pro start.“I’m not really surprised, at all. I mean, he doesn’t know any better,” Sherman said with a smile you can see on the video above.Sherman said he expects Carr and Oakland to throw the ball down the field at him and his defensive secondary again Sunday."

Sherman-Carr II will be an interesting subplot on Sunday, but it is unlikely to be the deciding factor in a win or a loss as the Seahawks could expect to beat the winless Raiders without their star corner in the roster. Vegas has the spread set with Oakland as 15 point underdogs as the Raiders banged up defense is unlikely to put up much resistance against the Super Bowl champions, expect Carr to go out throwing regardless of the result. Which may be enough to get Raider Nation excited about a game that is expected to be lopsided on Sunday.