3 Things we learned about Derek Carr in the Raiders win in Week 1

Raiders QB Derek Carr is out to make a statement during the 2020 NFL season, and he got off to a fast start in Week 1. Here are 3 things we learned.

Derek Carr made sure the league knew he was playing a few weeks ago stating he was “tired of being disrespected” when asked if he ever thought about opting out. In Week 1, Carr showed the league he was ready to take the Raiders to the next level, and showed what he can do with the right weapon set.

Carr made sure he proved all the doubters wrong this week, as he led the Raiders to an upset win in Carolina in an empty stadium due to COVID-19. The Raiders quarterback is showing why the coaching staff is behind him, and the addition of Marcus Mariota is proving to push the starter to be better.

Leading the team to a 34-30 victory, Carr threw one touchdown and just under 250 yards with a nearly 80% completion percentage. Carr looked to be in sync with the receivers despite the odd offseason, where limited condition and padded practices could’ve been disastrous for a group of young wideouts.

Carr made sure to get every offensive player involved as Darren Waller led the team with six catches for 45 yards, and rookie Henry Ruggs III made plays in the passing game with three catches for 55 yards, and the running game with two rushes for 11 yards. The newly-signed Nelson Agholor caught the lone touchdown pass from Carr on a dime to the corner of the endzone for 23 yards.

Last year’s standout rookie receiver, Hunter Renfrow, made his presence known too, catching two passes for 21 yards. The other rookie, Bryan Edwards, and veteran tight end Jason Witten both caught one pass for 9 yards and two yards, respectively.

Overall, it was a great day for Carr, and the Raiders, and here are three things we learned Sunday.