Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr heard all the talk about the potential, alternative options the team could bring under center to help them usher in a new era at Allegiant Stadium in the 2020 NFL season.
Carr caught plenty of flak for his underwhelming play during the 2019 campaign and this led to speculation regarding whether or not he was their long-term option. The only move head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock did to solidify this notion was signing quarterback Marcus Mariota in free agency to be the backup, however.
Las Vegas generated some hype with their notable additions on offense this offseason and this has led to some high expectations for the team’s inaugural year in their new home. It appears Carr is also entering the 2020 campaign with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Carr admits that he is tired of all the criticisms and is looking to prove himself once again this season, via the team’s official website:
“I have a lot to prove to myself,” he said. “I have a lot to prove to my organization. I’m going to be completely honest, I’m tired of being disrespected. So, there was no doubt that I was going to play this year.”
Carr added that he is embracing the newfound level of competition in the quarterback room:
“In our quarterback room, you have to compete and that’s what I do,” Carr told reporters Tuesday. “You can ask anybody, all I’m going to do is compete. I’ve had multiple starters come into this room and be in the same room as me. You can go through the list of who’s started games and who’s been in our quarterback room — it happens all the time. But when you go 7-9, people like to make up stuff.”
It is certainly encouraging to see that Carr is using all the talk as motivation for a potential resurgence this season. Fortunately, he has good reason to be confident given the Raiders’ efforts to beef up the supporting cast on offense in recent years.
The arrival of wide receiver Henry Ruggs III and tight end Jason Witten adds some much-needed firepower to the passing game. Meanwhile, the emergence of running back Josh Jacobs behind this talented offensive line means the onus will ultimately fall on Carr to put it all together. His comments indicate that he is optimistic about being able to silence the doubters once and for all.
