4 reasons why the Oakland Raiders will contend in the AFC West

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass under pressure by inside linebacker Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass under pressure by inside linebacker Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos in the first half of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders talks on the sidelines with head coach Jon Gruden during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders talks on the sidelines with head coach Jon Gruden during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Derek Carr is in his Second Year in Jon Gruden’s System

The last time Derek Carr was in the same system in back to back seasons, the team went 12-4 and made the playoffs. Carr has much better talent around him, and will be able to open up in 2019.

Carr was clearly not completely comfortable under Gruden’s system at the start of the season, and this was shown best against the Rams. Carr did not have the confidence to go down field, he and his receivers were not always on the same page, and as mentioned before, his offensive line was awful.

We are going to see a new Derek Carr that could resemble that of 2016. Quarterbacks need time to adjust to a system, just ask Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes did not play in his rookie season so that he could learn the Chief’s system, and it paid wonders. The same could happen for Carr.

Carr has looked incredible at training camp, and it is clear that he knows Gruden’s system much better. He is throwing the ball downfield, he is scrambling, and he is taking risks. This is the Carr we need, and this is the Carr that Gruden wants.

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