Las Vegas Raiders at Rams 2022 Week 14: Things we learned

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts against the Los Angeles Rams during the second qu at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts against the Los Angeles Rams during the second qu at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #17 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks to Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders after a play during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Baker Mayfield #17 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks to Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders after a play during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders at Rams 2022 Week 14: Things we learned

Carr outplayed by Baker

Carr’s interception at the end of the first half was one of two for him on the night, with the latter coming on a last-ditch miracle attempt that sealed the Raiders’ loss. But those two turnovers highlighted what was a porous performance from Las Vegas’ signal-caller, one in which he was outplayed by Baker Mayfield.

While that may not be a bizarre statement at first glance, one must remember that it was Mayfield who just joined the Rams two days ago. He had just around 48 hours to learn the playbook and a new offensive system, and yet he performed better when it mattered most down the stretch. Mayfield’s 91.4 passer rating was better than Carr’s 36.9, who had just 20 pass attempts all game.

When the Raiders entered Week 14 ranked with the fifth-ranked passing offense over the last three games, you cannot suddenly abandon the strategy altogether. Especially when Davante Adams was having his way versus Jalen Ramsey in the first half, at some point Carr has to be in sync and give his WR1 a chance to convert the big plays. Whether it was a lack of accuracy or a porous strategy, Carr being outplayed by Mayfield is unacceptable.