Oakland Raiders: 5 players who helped themselves vs. New York Jets

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders runs on to the field for their game against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders runs on to the field for their game against the New York Jets at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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28. . Quarterback. Fresno State Bulldogs. Derek Carr. 4. player

Carr can and might make this list every week. While he was good, but not great against the Titans last week, Carr showed exactly why the Raiders made the move from Bill Musgrave to Todd Downing at offensive coordinator. Carr has only played in two games in Downing’s offense, but you can already see just how comfortable he looks in this offense.

It is more creative in both the passing and running game. Carr has the flexibility he needs at the line of scrimmage to make plays with his guys. You have to admit. That “Seattle” audible at the line of scrimmage to find Michael Crabtree on the fade touchdown pass was awesome. Everybody thought that the Raiders were going to pound the rock with Marshawn Lynch. All the more reason for Carr to catch the entire Jets defense off guard.

On the afternoon, Carr completed 23 of 28 passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. His yards per attempt of 8.2 was solid, as was his quarterback rating of 136.6. Carr even had a strong QBR of 82.1. This game was not about Carr humiliating the Jets defense with his arm, but rather his mind. It illustrated that he and Downing are very much on the same page in Oakland.

Look for Carr to air it out a bit more on Sunday night. Washington can move the sticks with Cousins under center. Carr will have to target more than just Crabtree in the end zone against the Redskins, but you have to love the poise Carr is playing with under center in the early part of 2017. If the Raiders keep winning, he’ll be back in the NFL MVP conversation for sure.