Tampa Bay game has huge meaning for Jon Gruden, Derek Carr

Next Sunday’s matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers has significant meaning for Derek Carr and Jon Gruden.

Coming out of the bye week, the Las Vegas Raiders will play host to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside Allegiant Stadium in primetime. For head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr, this game has significant meaning, and a win next Sunday night will continue this franchise, and quarterback’s trend in the right direction.

First, let us look at what this game should mean to Carr.

Brady to Vegas

This offseason, as the NFL awaited word of where Tom Brady would play his football in 2020, rumors swirled that it would be in Las Vegas. He was seen talking with Raiders owner Mark Davis at a prize fight, and even was the backpage of newspapers out in Vegas, fueling speculation.

However, as much as the media played it up, there was no real traction there, though it did affect Carr in a very real way. He spoke this summer about being disrespected, has continued to call this team his, and is backing up his words with an MVP-type season in 2020.

In fairness, Gruden and Mike Mayock have continued to be steadfast in their backing of Carr, someone they feel was the reason the Raiders even had a chance to upset the Chiefs prior to Week 5’s matchup. Beating Brady at home would be another big milestone in what could be a special season for No. 4.