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

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to pass under pressure from Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to pass under pressure from Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
2 of 4
Carr led the Raiders to the win on Sunday (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Carr led the Raiders to the win on Sunday (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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

Derek Carr is the perfect fit for this Raiders offense

In the offseason, there was talk about the Raiders moving on from Carr, and some even called for Mariota to get the starting role. However, Carr took command of the team this summer, and it his preparation was clear on Sunday, as he led them when they needed leading and found the open man putting up 34 points.

Last season, the Raiders scored over 30 points only twice, and never did they score 34. Carr looked like a veteran quarterback against Carolina, and looked like he was ready to take this team into the playoffs.

I’ve always said that a mark of a good team is winning close games against good to average teams, and beating up on bad teams. Carolina isn’t a good team, but last season, the Raiders lost close games like this when they needed the win. If anything was learned from last season, every win is needed when you’re in the same division as the Kansas City Chiefs.

Schedule