Why The Raiders’ Derek Carr Era Will Eventually Be Forgotten

Take a minute and think about the best players in NFL history. Players that may quickly come to mind are Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, and Jim Brown. More specifically, for the Las Vegas Raiders’ organization – players like Charles Woodson, Ken Stabler, Howie Long, Jim Otto, Jim Plunkett, and Lyle Alzado come naturally to the forefront of one’s mind. Why? Because they brought charismatic personalities along with winning to the Raider organization. The franchise embodied phrases such as “Just Win, Baby!” and “Commitment to Excellence.” Now you tell me, does Derek Carr belong in the halls of those players, let alone those phrases?

Derek Carr was Inconsistent and Mediocre

Carr had a win/loss record of 63-79 as the Raiders starter throughout his nine-year stint with the organization. While football is a team game, a quality (or non-quality) starting quarterback will make or break your franchise. Regardless of the turmoil between coaches, coordinators, terrible defenses, and abysmal drafting, the primary question is whether Derek Carr pulled his weight. Aside from one anomaly year in 2016 (where he received just six MVP votes), the Fresno State alum’s resume is lacking. History remembers the victor, and it’s clear he was not that. Additionally, Carr showed his true colors at the end of the line, which should have many questioning his motives/intentions.

Carr’s Final Season Showed He Wasn’t a Winner

With the NFL’s top wide receiver, running back, and an average offensive line, many expected that 2022 would be the season Carr would take off. Newly appointed head coach Josh McDaniels had the Las Vegas Raiders in a position to make the playoffs in December, despite some abysmal performances by the team and Carr himself. With everything on the line in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carr crumbled against the Pittsburgh Steelers in what would be his final meaningful game as a member of the Raider organization.