Raiders: Ranking every season of Derek Carr’s career
By Jason Willis
Raiders: Ranking every season of Derek Carr’s career
28. . . . 2021. 1. player
Carr’s most recent campaign sticks out as his best. With a career-high 4,804 passing yards to go with 23 touchdowns, Carr led the Raiders to a 10-7 record that ended with a trip to the playoffs as a wild card team. However, to truly appreciate his 2021 season, you must look beyond the numbers.
While the Raiders started 3-0, things went downhill quickly when head coach Jon Gruden stepped away from the team following the release of several insensitive emails. Las Vegas rallied however and won the next two games. Then came the catastrophic news that wide receiver Henry Ruggs was involved in a car accident that left a girl and her dog dead. He would be released shortly after.
Initially, it was tough for the team to rally. However, at 6-7, Carr and the Raiders went on a magical four-game run to get back into the playoffs. Left without his head coach, number one receiver, and other losses due to injury, Carr was able to will the Raiders back into the playoffs.
The Raiders would end up losing to the eventual AFC Champion Bengals in the first round of the playoffs. Regardless, the fact that Las Vegas made it at all is a testament to the leadership on that team. With multiple come-from-behind wins, Carr made 2021 one of the most memorable Raiders seasons yet.
For his efforts, the new Raiders brass has put all their faith into Carr. Rewarded with a new, three-year contract extension, he is here to stay. Furthermore, they acquired his best friend and superstar wideout Davante Adams, proving that they believe Carr is just a few pieces away from taking this team to the promised land.