How will Derek Carr respond to the signing of Marcus Mariota?

The Las Vegas Raiders brought in a legitimate backup quarterback for Derek Carr on Monday, so how will he respond to talent behind him on the depth chart.

Throughout his six years with the Las Vegas Raiders Derek Carr has never had to look over his shoulder with concerns the back up quarterback could take his job.  E.J. Manuel, Connor Cook, Matt McGloin, and Deshon Kizer were never options to be taken serious.

That all changed Monday night when it was announced that Marcus Mariota had agreed to terms with the Raiders. Mariota, former No. 2 overall pick, and playoff starter in the league, is the  most talented quarterback Carr has ever had behind him.

Now with a number two in the room that can threaten his job, the question is how will Carr respond to the signing of Marcus Mariota?

While Carr is no stranger to speculation surrounding his job security this season will feel much different.

Marcus Mariota is a former number two overall pick and the feelings his new head coach and GM have for him are well documented.  In fact, Mike Mayock had him ranked as his number one quarterback in the 2015 draft class when he was an analyst for the NFL network.

Mariota has experience as a starter, has the mobility to extend and make plays with his legs, something that Gruden has urged Derek Carr to do more often.  Sure, Mariota had a 29-32 record while in Tennessee but he also has a win in the playoffs on his resume.

Derek Carr will say all the right things because that’s the type of person he is, but this surely has to be weighing on his conscious.  What if he should get off to a slow start?  What if the Raiders struggle out of the gate?

How Carr is able to respond in these situations could very well define his season with the team.

They say competition breeds success, and because of that this is exactly the kick in the butt Carr needed.  You can never fault Carr for his lack of preparation, hard work, or desire to win.  But you can knock him for his unwillingness to take chances down field and let it loose like we saw in 2016.

Hopefully the threat Mariota posses brings out the best in Carr, this is his opportunity to prove his doubters wrong once and for all. Whether you love Carr or hate him the signing of Mariota tells you one thing, it’s put up or shut up time for Derek Carr.