Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons: 3 things to watch in Week 12
By Daniel Davis
Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons: 3 things to watch in Week 12
Derek Carr getting more receivers involved in the passing game.
Quarterback Derek Carr has been the talk of the town ever since his pre-season press conference claiming he was demanding the respect he felt he deserved, and rightfully so. In 2020, he’s had his best year so far, as the Raiders quarterback from a leadership standpoint.
Carr has taken the reigns and took control of this team. For the first time in a long time, the Raiders have an offense that can put up more than 30 points a game while spreading the ball around. Last season, the idea was getting Darren Waller in space and using him to push the ball down the field, but this year, with rookie addition Henry Ruggs, they’ve been able to take the top off the defense more times than not.
Although Waller still leads the team in receptions, Nelson Agholor has been an addition that has worked out better than expected. Agholor was picked up from the Eagles this offseason and was brought in to presumably be a depth addition, but has been an important part of the Raiders’ offensive production.
Agholor has had drop issues in the past, which is why he was let go, but this season, he’s leading the team with six touchdowns and 18.5 yards per catch ratio.
Last season, Waller led the team with 90 receptions, and the next highest receiver on the list was Hunter Renfrow with 49. This season looks to be the same, with Waller currently having 60 catches and Renfrow having 31, but Carr is finding the open receivers instead of forcing the passes to his playmakers.
If the Raiders are to beat the Falcons this week, Carr needs to get everyone involved in the passing game.