Matt Schaub was brought in by the Oakland Raiders this offseason in order to be the starting quarterback. With just a few days before Week 1 is set to kick off, Schaub has lost that starting job to rookie second round pick Derek Carr.
More from Las Vegas Raiders
- Raiders: Saquon Barkley’s new contract may have screwed over Josh Jacobs
- Raiders sign coveted All-Pro ahead of training camp
- Raiders RB Josh Jacobs leaves Vegas in dramatic fashion amid contract dispute
- NFL Rumors: Insider predicts great news for Raiders on free agency front
- Austin Ekeler leading RB revolt with Zoom meeting of biggest names
Carr was granted the starting quarterback position after his electric performance in the preseason finale against the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Carr was nearly perfect as he threw for 143 yards on 11-13 passing with three touchdowns.
Schaub sat out the game as a precaution, but ultimately it cost him his job.
“I’m definitely disappointed,” Schaub told CSNBayArea candidly. “But it wouldn’t do me or the team any good if I just stood here and felt sorry for myself. I only know how to handle things one way. That’s to move forward and stay productive and get myself ready each day so I’m prepared if called upon.”
“(Coach Allen) said it wasn’t anything I did or didn’t do,” Schaub continued. “He was pleased with how I ran things in the offseason and how I played, but that it was more about Derek and his progression.”
At the end of the day, it is hard for Schaub to be benched in favor of the rookie, but he understands that it is simply a part of the business.
“We’re all here to make the Oakland Raiders the best that we can be this season,” Schaub said. “If I’ve helped Derek along the way, then great. We’re pushing each other and looking at defenses and sharing ideas and thoughts. If I’ve helped him get better, then that’s the case of a veteran helping a young guy.”
We will see how short Carr’s leash is this season. If he does not produce immediately for the Raiders, how long will it take before they replace him with Schaub? Only time will tell.