Raiders News: Derek Carr Calls For More Precision In Practice
Derek Carr, Raiders
Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to take the field before the start of a preseason game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

After an offseason filled with hope and promise, the Las Vegas Raiders’ postseason hopes already feel dashed.

Despite the influx of talent, the Raiders have managed to drop their first three games of the 2022 season. Mathematically, they’re not officially eliminated from the playoffs, but history is not on their side in that regard.

While things seem in peril now, Derek Carr is remaining optimistic that he and the team can turn it around if they clean things up during practices via Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network:

“You try your best to do it the right way in practice, and if you don’t do it right in practice, then you can’t expect it to go right in the game. I can be optimistic,” Carr said. “Maxx, [Adams], Darren, everybody can be optimistic, but if not everybody is doing the work or doing the right things in practice, it doesn’t matter how much we hope for. You have got to earn it. But we are going to stay positive already. That’s the kind of people we have in the room.

“I think the execution was not at its best on some days but that’s not the reason,” Carr said. “It’s not like that. I wouldn’t say I am not pleased with it, but my point is you have got the meetings, the practice, the walkthroughs all matter, so if you are on it, on all those things, then you usually go out and you are on your assignments. So for me, I believe in that and that’s what Josh preaches, that it matters.”

So far, the Raiders have been lackluster in third down and red zone situations, areas that usually separate the good from great teams. As things stand, Las Vegas is neither of those, and time is ticking on them to right the ship.

This week of practice may go a long way in determining how their season ends up, making Week 4 against the Denver Broncos a must-win.