Las Vegas Raiders: Is Derek Carr better without Jon Gruden?

Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 33-22. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 33-22. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr of the Las Vegas Raiders is playing at a high level since Jon Gruden resigns, begging the question if he is a better quarterback without him.

Derek Carr of the Las Vegas Raiders is playing at a very high level right now and is doing it amid a trying season.

There have only been two games so far since the surprising controversy surrounding Jon Gruden. A slue of unsavory emails involving racist, homophobic and misogynistic language ultimately led to his resignation as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach.

Since that time the Raiders have gone 2-0 with special teams coach now turned interim head coach Rich Bisaccia at the helm. With Gruden gone, Greg Olson has stepped into the play-calling role but there’s plenty of argument behind Derek Carr having main control over what actually happens on the field.

A lot has been discussed of what will be of the Raiders now that Gruden is gone, whether that result is good or bad. In the small sample size, we’ve seen so far though, the Raiders haven’t skipped and beat and seem to be firing on all cylinders as they head into their bye week this weekend.

Looking into a micro examination of the team, the offense is what will mostly be impacted with his departure. But has that been for the better? In my opinion, yes, and the main reason for that is because Derek Carr has been a better quarterback, play-caller, and performer all around since then.

So let’s dive into why I believe he is better without Jon Gruden.

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