Reasons why the Las Vegas Raiders are not dead yet

5 of 6

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: (L-R) Quarterback Derek Carr #4, head coach Josh McDaniels and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo of the Las Vegas Raiders react after the team scored a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during their preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated Vikings the 26-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Five Reasons Why The Las Vegas Raiders Are Not Dead Yet

Carr and McDaniels will only improve going forward

Derek Carr’s quarterback rating is 87.7 so far this season, which ranks 16th among quarterbacks through the first five weeks. Don’t forget that with Josh McDaniels now at the helm, it marks Carr’s sixth head coach in nine seasons. In that same period, Carr has had multiple play-callers through the years, with some alternating mid-season.

So as tough as it may be to swallow, it isn’t surprising to see the Raiders quarterback work through some growing pains in the first year within McDaniels’ system.

For some historical context: Carr’s QBR dropped from 56.1 in 2016 under offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave to 50.5 in 2017 under OC Todd Downing. A year later, in his first season with coach Jon Gruden, Carr’s QBR was 46.5. Last year, with Gruden resigning after five games in the wake of his email controversy, Carr’s QBR fell from a career-high 64.3 in 2021 to 52.4 with Greg Olson calling the plays after Gruden left.

And yet as he continues to adjust to a new offensive system, Las Vegas remains a top-10 scoring team in the league. Both will only improve and form more synergy with one another going forward. McDaniels (should) learn from his missed opportunities to start the year, and Carr should only get more comfortable and efficient in connecting with his receivers.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News