With the Las Vegas Raiders set to begin a new era at Allegiant Stadium, there has been plenty of speculation regarding the potential changes to the roster.
Among the biggest questions is whether or not head coach Jon Gruden plans on moving forward with quarterback Derek Carr for the long haul. His role in the Raiders’ disappointing 7-9 finish in the 2019 NFL season has left many wondering if he is the right man for the job, and even sparked rumors that the team could attempt to sign Tom Brady.
Carr was much more productive thanks to his familiarity with Gruden’s scheme and all the upgrades Oakland had made along the offensive line, however, it was not enough for them to maintain control of their own playoff destiny down the stretch. Regardless, it seems his efforts did not go unnoticed by left guard Richie Incognito.
Incognito admitted during an appearance on the Raider Cody Podcast that Carr was operating under some difficult playing conditions:
“Coach Gruden has an extensive offense and that’s an understatement. Derek runs that offense like coach Gruden was out there on the field. Tough situations, fourth-quarter comebacks, the guy is out there just chucking the ball around the field. Two-minute drills are where he excels. Facing the pressure he knows where to get the ball,” Incognito said.
Incognito also expressed plenty of confidence that Carr will be under center when the team opens things up in Las Vegas:
“Let’s be honest,” Incognito said. “We didn’t have a ton of speed, a ton of star power out there at the wide receiver, for reasons out of our control… We have tremendous confidence in Derek Carr. The way he runs coaches offense, the way he gets us in the right plays, the way he chucks that ball around, distributes the ball. We have a ton of confidence in him and there’s no way he’s going anywhere. He’s coming to Vegas.”
There is certainly plenty of truth to Incognito’s comments considering the offense lacked any serious firepower following the departure of wide receiver Antonio Brown. Carr’s most viable options in the passing game during the 2019 campaign were tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Tyrell Williams, who seemed to be better suited as a complementary weapon.
Aside from trying to make do with the weapons at his disposal, Carr has always made the effort to do right by fans even though he is well-aware of the criticisms. He is perhaps one of the few quarterbacks equipped to serve as a stabilizing factor for the Raiders as they prepare for relocation and the praise from Incognito essentially solidifies this notion.
Incognito will be around to block for Carr if he is indeed the Raiders’ quarterback after recently signing a two-year extension to remain with the team.
