Raiders QB Derek Carr entering the most crucial stretch of his NFL career

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Dec 12, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after fumbling the ball as Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna (51) and defensive end Alex Okafor (97) look on during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders QB Derek Carr entering the most crucial stretch of his NFL career

What it all means

There is no doubt that Carr has had some exciting moments during his time with the Raiders, and his records and fourth-quarter comebacks speak for themselves. However, his record as a starter is well below .500, and to be considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in team history, he has to finally get this team back to the playoffs.

Las Vegas has struggled mightily at home this season outside of some exciting matchups early on, and that is something that has to change moving forward. Denver should be a win, but based on how well the Colts did against New England their last time out, that game is going to take all hands on deck if they hope to come away with win No. 9.

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 1: Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson of the Las Vegas Raiders in action on the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 1, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Raiders: 3 Keys to victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 16

The Las Vegas Raiders may have salvaged their season on Monday with the victory over the heavily depleted Cleveland Browns.

From there, a matchup with Los Angeles to close out the season, and possibly be the deciding factor as to whether or not the Raiders sit home and watch the playoffs once again. Carr has a perfect chance to really change the narrative surrounding not only him, but this franchise, and if the team fails down the stretch, the calls for him to be replaced next offseason will only grow louder.

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