Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr has no shortage of weapons in 2021
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders did a nice job surrounding Derek Carr with weapons heading into 2021, making this offense a potentially dangerous one.
Looking at this Las Vegas Raiders roster heading into training camp, some players really stand out. The Silver and Black have an elite running back in Josh Jacobs, arguably the best tight end in the league in Darren Waller, and a collection of wide receivers that have playmaking potential.
The man at the helm of it all on the offensive side of the ball, Derek Carr, will have no shortage of weapons in 2021, as he tries to throw for over 4,000 yards for the fourth straight season under Jon Gruden. Since coming back as head coach, Gruden, and general manager Mike Mayock have been staunch supporters of Carr, although the team has struggled down the stretch the last two seasons.
While the defense was horrible in 2020, Carr and this offense need to start closing out some of these seasons, as they have let some early-season success fade down the stretch. In 2021, he has elite players to get the ball to, one of the better backup running backs in the game, and a nice blend of veterans and youngsters at the wideout position.
Raiders need the best of Derek Carr in 2021
This offseason, the Raiders have revamped their offensive line, which could make for an interesting first couple of weeks in the regular season. However, a lot of talent remains upfront on that side of the ball, and with hopefully better schemes and players on defense, there is no reason the Raiders cannot challenge for a playoff spot.
To do so, they will need the very best of Derek Carr, who is a proven leader but is still looking to start his first playoff game.
Rumors are swirling that Carr could be in line for a contract extension soon, which continues to show that the combination of Gruden and Mayock trust him. Despite all the rumors that he is not the guy, Carr is going into Year 8, and with a tremendous cast of weapons around him, he could be in for his best season yet, statistically