QB Marcus Mariota shining early for the Las Vegas Raiders

QB Marcus Mariota shining early for the Las Vegas Raiders

Mariota is an incredibly smart quarterback

It is really no big surprise that Mariota is catching on quickly with the Silver and Black, as he is widely considered a brilliant football mind. We all know that Gruden’s offense is a tough one to run, and if you want some proof, go to YouTube and look up a young Chris Simms trying to call a play in the huddle during Gruden’s time in Tampa Bay.

For Mariota to catch on so quickly, especially during a preseason going on in a pandemic, is perfect for what the Raiders want to do. They want him to come in and challenge Carr, making Carr the best possible version of himself, while also helping resurrect Mariota’s career.

Gruden credits Mariota and Carr

Jon Gruden spoke out about Mariota’s impressive time with the Raiders this week, and said told reporters on a conference call that being in the same room as Carr certainly helps.

"“It’s been impressive,” Gruden said about Mariota’s understanding of the playbook. “I think being and being in the same chat room with Derek Carr every day has really helped him. Derek is very advanced and very quick mentally. Marcus is as well, he’s learned it really fast and he’s applied it here in the past couple days.”"

Carr is another extremely smart football guy, and is respected by his teammates and coaches alike. The expectation is that with all the new weapons added this offseason, Carr can bring this team back to the playoffs, but if he falters, at least there is a serviceable quarterback waiting in the wings.

The Raiders made it a point to upgrade all position groups this offseason, and quarterback was no different. In Mariota, they are getting a guy who has proven he can win in this league, even against Kansas City on the road in the playoffs, and his arrival is a win for the team, the fan base, and Carr.