Derek Carr Ready To Take The Next Step?

By Evan Massey | Oct 15, 2014

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Oakland Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr ready to take the next step?

The Oakland Raiders selected Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr with the 36th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and are hoping that he can turn into their franchise quarterback of the future. He has certainly shown some flashes of possessing that type of potential, but he has also shown some rough moments characteristic of young quarterbacks as well. That being said, he is coming off of his best game as an NFL quarterback, and is ready to take the next step as a young starter.

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Carr has played in five regular season games so far this season with the Raiders, throwing for 1,016 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions. Those numbers are fairly impressive for a quarterback who was thrown immediately into game action, and he has shown improvement steadily so far. He has also completed 61.1 percent of his passes.

Last week against the San Diego Chargers, Carr threw for 282 yards, four touchdowns, and just one interception. San Diego is one of the better teams in the NFL, and while the Raiders still lost, Carr showed the potential that Oakland has been looking to see from him. He showed a strong and accurate arm, a good head on his shoulders, and he was able to lead his team as well.

Leadership is one quality that the Raiders haven’t had at the quarterback position for quite some time. Carr was a great vocal leader in college, and he has the ability to do just that for Oakland as well. Now that he has the type of confidence that comes with that type of a game against a great opponent, you can expect to see him take even more leadership and play with more confidence than he has all season long.

All of that being said, the Raiders and their fans have every reason to be excited about their new 23-year-old quarterback. He may never be the best quarterback in the league, but he has the potential to lead his team back to the playoffs assuming they put the necessary talent around him. Carr is ready to take the next step, and we will see more of his full potential throughout the remainder of the season.

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