The Oakland Raiders selected Derek Carr in the second round of the 2014 draft. He had high expectations following the draft with his success at Fresno State, but had to earn his role as the starting quarterback for the silver and black; and the 24-year-old did just that.
Out of training camp Carr was looking look, but it wasn’t until Week 4 of the preseason where the rookie shined in a game against the Seattle Seahawks. He showed no fear attacking Richard Sherman’s side of the field, leading the Raiders offense downfield. That game alone set him apart from the other Raiders quarterbacks, and earned him the starting role.
Now, Carr didn’t have the best offense to work with in 2014, in fact, it was quite pitiful. They had the worst run game in the league, with mediocre receivers and an improving offensive line, but the youngster continued to learn and develop with each snap throughout the season. He had his rookie moments, everyone does, but the quarterback has shown a lot of promise to be the Raiders franchise player and the quarterback they have been waiting to have on their roster since the days of Rich Gannon; the last quarterback to take this franchise to the playoffs.
Looking ahead to 2015, this looks to be an improved offense that will undoubtedly help Carr in his development. They look to have an improved run game with Latavius Murray and Trent Richardson, as well as a better passing game with Michael Crabtree and 2015 first round pick Amari Cooper.
Here’s a quick look back at some of Carr’s 2014 stats and what we can expect from him in 2015.
2014 Record: 3-13
The Raiders had a 3-13 record last season, finishing last in the AFC West. It was yet another dysfunctional season for the silver and black with coaching woes, but that too seems to be resolved with the hiring of Jack Del Rio this offseason. Del Rio is an established coach in the league with personal ties to this organization. He may be just what the doctor ordered to get this team back on track.
Oakland’s schedule isn’t easy by any means this season, but it a more manageable schedule than that of last years. There were a few games the Raiders should have won last season, but fell short; shoulda woulda coulda, but this season, with an improved roster, and new coaching staff, they look to begin anew and kick off 2015 in winning fashion. It won’t be easy, they play the Bengals Week 1 in Oakland, but this is a much better all around staff than last year.
The silver and black are capable of winning six to eight games this season. Minimum of six wins is not out of the question, and is achievable for Carr and his squad.
Yards: 3,270
Carr threw for 3,270 yards last season, which is rather impressive considering what he had to work with. James Jones was his most reliable target, but he was released with the addition of Crabtree, who will take over the veteran role. Rod Streater missed the majority of the season due to injury, but is always a solid target, but the key to this offense to be capable of making game changing plays and momentum shifters is Cooper. The fourth overall pick will look to make an immediate impact with Carr this year.
The improved run game will make this a more complete and dynamic offense. Instead of being pass heavy, they will have a variety of plays creating a better overall offense with less pressure on their young quarterback.
Carr threw the ball a lot last season, but had no true downfield threat, this year, he will. His yards may boost a tad, and definitely won’t be in decline.
Touchdowns: 21
Carr threw 21 touchdown passes in his rookie campaign, and with better targets, expect that number to be on the rise in 2015.
Interceptions: 12
Only 12 picks were thrown by Carr last season, and some were just flat out bad. When the rookie made a poor decision it usually ended with an interception, and that’s to be expected, at this point it’s all a learning process for Carr, and through every mistake he learned what not to do.
12 picks isn’t bad for a rookie, especially on the Raiders, in his second season this number shouldn’t change too drastically.
Overall, there are high expectations for Carr this season after a strong rookie campaign. In a draft filled with quarterback talent, the Raiders were fortunate to snag Carr in the second round. He was the only rookie quarterback last season to start all 16 games, and he did so with certain poise and leadership, setting him aside from any ordinary rookie.
He may only be 24-years-old, but on the field there were times he looked like he had been in the NFL for years.
Carr did miss out on OTA’s, but has been cleared to participate in minicamp. There were concerns that he may need surgery on his ring finger, but it looks like he is healing on his own, which is great news for the silver and black.
Carr put up solid numbers on a Raiders team in the midst of rebuilding. 2015 brings a fresh outlook with veteran receivers and a young playmaker whom he can develop with for years to come.