Derek Carr understands his mistakes and is ready to win
Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls an audible during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Although the ability of a player cannot be fully measured by their interview skills, one thing I’ve learned is how well great QB’s conduct themselves in front of the media. Raider Nation has definitely endured the worst run of QB’s since losing Rich Gannon to age and injury. However, that run of bad luck has finally come to an end. Derek Carr is the QB for now and for the future.
Carr’s interview with the media posted on www.raiders.com Wednesday was absolutely impressive. Even more impressive were the interviews with fellow team members who have sung his praises. TE Mychal Rivera says that QB Derek Carr is undaunted by the loss to the NY Jets. As a matter of fact, Rivera stated that Carr is the first person to arrive at the Alameda facility and the last to leave. Remind you of somebody?
Rich Gannon did the same thing. He studied film in order to improve his reads, reactions, audibles, and recognition of blitz packages. Derek Carr is putting in his study time to try to do the same thing. Moreover, Carr is always working on his foot work, getting the ball out of his hands quicker, and he constantly tries to improve his knowledge of football.
Carr admitted that he keeps a personal notebook. In that notebook, he writes down how he personally believed he performed in each game, how he can improve his performance, the blitz packages an opposing team conducted against him, etc… All of this on top of studying his playbook, working out, practicing, studying game film, and trying to build a rapport with his WR’s, RB’s, TE’s, and OL. When was the last time Raider Nation or the Oakland Raiders saw any QB in the last 12 years do this. Not since Rich Gannon folks.
One particular thing I liked most about Carr’s interview was how he shouldered the blame for the team’s loss to the NY Jets. He stated many times that he has to be better. Plus, he holds himself accountable over all the other players for missing opportunities to get the ball down the field to his WR’s. This shows the makings of a true leader and QB for the Oakland Raiders. I have faith in this kid who has the attitude and moral fortitude beyond his years. He will become something great. It’s Carr’s time and his team. #InCarrWeTrust
In case you wanted to check out the interview, here’s the link to the Oakland Raiders website: