Las Vegas Raiders need QB battle between Carr and Mariota in 2021

Do the Raiders need a quarterback battle?

So do the Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback battle heading into next season? The answer depends on who you ask, as if you were to ask Carr supporters, it would be an emphatic no. In fact, said supporters were gloating on social media once Mariota went down with an injury and was a non-factor for most of the season.

Then there’s the media issue, as a quarterback battle makes for great headlines, but can also be a huge distraction. Maybe Gruden doesn’t want that and decides to move on from Mariota.

Also, with the NFL Draft coming up in April, there’s no way the Raiders use a pick on a quarterback, not with so many holes on defense needing to be addressed, it wouldn’t make sense. Why not save Carr from more potential injury and roll out Mariota in these last two games.

Let’s face it, any stats gained by Carr in this final stretch would fall under the category of ‘garbage time.’ Does it really mean anything if the team goes 7-9, but Carr gets his 27 or 28 touchdown passes?

Gruden would be better off positioning himself for next year by having two veteran quarterbacks duking out for the starting gig. Only good things can come from healthy competition, Carr’s a competitor and Mariota is a ‘team player.’ Let’s see if camp in 2021 looks like what 2020 should have.

If Carr wins the job, but Mariota shows he is an NFL starter, he brings the team value as well. A legitimate battle is great for business if you are the Las Vegas Raiders.