While the tragic death of Kobe Bryant still has the basketball world in shock, Bryant’s impact goes much wider than just the NBA. Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, for one, still thinks about the Black Mamba, especially while playing against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9.
Sunday’s matchup between the Raiders and the Chargers was close all the way through, coming down to the very last play. A Justin Herbert 4-yard touchdown pass was reversed after the replay showed that the receiver did not maintain possession through the entire process of the catch, securing the win for the Raiders to improve to 5-3.
Carr passed for 165 yards and two touchdowns, including a perfect ball to Darren Waller in the endzone in the third quarter. Carr has exceeded expectations statistically all season long, something he personally does not care about without the wins, according to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com:
“I love putting up big numbers and all that kind of stuff but I’ve done those things,” said Derek Carr. “Been to the Pro Bowl, it’s fun for people to pat your back but none of that stuff matters unless you win.”
“Really proud of the guys who have stepped up, and really proud of our coaching staff for getting those guys ready.”
Carr got some attention throughout the game for wearing an arm sleeve as a tribute to Bryant, revealing he thought about the Los Angeles Lakers legend throughout the game while playing in the city that made him famous:
“Especially with the sleeve on, absolutely. We’re in L.A. and I’d be lying to you if I told you Kobe wasn’t on my mind this week.”
With the win, the Raiders stayed firmly in the AFC playoff picture. With tiebreakers, they are the AFC’s No. 6 seed and would face the Buffalo Bills on Wild Card Weekend if the season ended today.
Carr and the Raiders will now face the lightest part of their schedule, as a Week 11 meeting against the Kansas City Chiefs is their only opponent over .500 between now and Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins.
Raiders right tackle Trent Brown out for at least a month
Due to a number of complications surrounding team doctors and coronavirus (COVID-19), Trent Brown is expected to miss at least one month. He entered the season as one of the staples of the Raiders offensive line but has only played in one full game this season.
Carr and the Raiders offense have managed without him, but will be hopeful to get him back in December for a final playoff push.
