Oakland Raiders training camp: 5 pleasant surprises

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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 10: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Carr and Gruden

There was much to be said about the relationship between Jon Gruden and Derek Carr when Gruden took the Raiders job back in January. The thought that Carr would not be able to perform under the microscope that is Coach Gruden was the popular narrative, but it could not have been further than the truth.

In fact, Carr is thriving under Gruden’s tutelage, and he now has a head coach that he knows is not going anywhere for a very long time. Gruden is a great quarterback coach, and he was very excited to work with Carr, who is the best quarterback he has ever had in his prime.

During his last stint with the Raiders, Gruden turned journeyman Rich Gannon into an NFL MVP, so imagine what he could do with a guy who has the fourth-most touchdown passes through his first four seasons in the league. Carr has looked incredible during practice, commanding the offense, and could be in for his best season yet.

Gruden signed on for ten years, which, if he stays his entire contract, would take Carr up until his age-37 season. There is a very good possibility this tandem will be together the next decade, and Raider Nation has to be happy with that.

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