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Oakland Raiders: 5 players who must step up in 2018

By Jose Sanchez III

OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a win against the San Francisco 49ers late in the fourth quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a win against the San Francisco 49ers late in the fourth quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Derek Carr

I considered last season a mulligan for Carr considering the multiple factors that contributed to his poor play. Carr had been improving every season until 2017. It only took injuries, some poor offensive line blocking, and a sorry excuse for a coaching staff to derail him last season… However, this season there should be no excuses barring any injuries. It’s time for Carr to play up to his worth, which is $70 million guaranteed.

The hiring of Jon Gruden was specifically for Carr’s benefit. A lot is riding on this upcoming season. If he can’t recreate his 2016 performance, then the barrage of questions and doubts will be more than warranted. I fully expect Carr to comeback as strong as in 2016, if not stronger. Gruden is going to give Carr freedom at the line, which has been a restriction on him his entire career.

Carr’s intellect is vastly understated. It just took a dive last season because he had his best friend as his offensive coordinator. Sort of lackadaisical when your friend is your mentor.

Now that Carr has someone who will push him and test him again, he should be back to the gun slinging MVP candidate we knew back in 2016.

Last season you could see how hurt he was not just physically, but mentally. The injuries had gotten to his head, so his feel for the pocket wasn’t there. It’s not just building the offense around Carr, it’s making sure he isn’t mentally broken from last season and judging from OTAs he looks rejuvenated.

His twitter replies to critics have also been eye opening. He’s not going to take the trash talk from people, hence “Clap Back Carr” was born. I can’t wait for his play this season to “Clap Back” at everyone who is doubting his skill.

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