Las Vegas Raiders: Derek Carr playing at an MVP level early in 2021

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr exits the tunnel before playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr exits the tunnel before playing against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Las Vegas Raiders beat Pittsburgh on Sunday, and quarterback Derek Carr showed his true ‘Mamba Mentality’ versus in the victory.

Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, when the pressure was at its greatest (literally) against Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, he rose to the occasion. Akin to the late Kobe Bryant, the former Fresno State alum exemplified his ‘Mamba Mentality’ today.

He led a Las Vegas Raiders offense that was missing four out of five starting offensive linemen and their lead running back to a 26-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. For his critics, there should be no criticism over his performance today, as he proved to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

How did Derek Carr lead the Raiders to victory?

Simply put, Derek Carr’s performance today showed off a critical aspect of the football player he is. Carr displayed his toughness as he withstood the pressure from the aggressive Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

So much so, it almost resulted in a concerning injury, but thankfully, that was not the case, as the Raiders’ veteran quarterback took advantage of a tired Steelers defense in the second half. Above all, he has led the Silver and Black to a 2-0 start, while showing shades of his 2016 NFL season.

Derek Carr is an early 2021 MVP candidate for the Silver and Black.

Regardless of your stance on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, everyone can agree on one aspect. His performances in the first two games of the Raiders’ 2021 campaign have shown shades of his exceptional 2016 campaign. As of this moment, he leads NFL passers in numerous NFL categories, while also performing behind a makeshift offensive line.

In addition, Carr was Las Vegas’ leading rusher in their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Simply put, he is doing it all without the offensive help he has seen and benefitted from in years past. Should he continue his exceptional football play, expect him to lead the Silver and Black to the playoffs and possibly an MVP award as the season progresses.