FanPost

Judgement Time for Carr

This is it, folks. Time to see what Derek Carr is made of for the last time. We’ve waited and waited for the 2016 model Carr to hit the production line. This road stretch from hell is going to prove, once and for all, whether this guy has any future on the Raiders, let alone in the league.

Winning at home is supposed to be, more or less, a given. But, having success on the road is what defines careers. As daunting a task this next 7 weeks will be, some how, some way, Derek Carr must display the ability to make those around him better in order to salvage a season, and possibly his career. In the face of adversity, Carr needs desperately to walk the walk, here and now.

To date however, we’re seeing the same disconcerting trends by Carr we’ve suffered through since he won the Raiders starting QB gig: Failure to stretch the field, lack of field vision, inability to let plays develop, miscommunications at critical times, turnovers in the red/end zone, failure vs. top divisional foes, lack of pocket patience, an overall lack of not understanding situational football (INT’s on 1st down in the end zone specifically for the past 2 years!), and last but not least, not rewarding his 1st round RB with more touches!

We can share blame with the play calling from Gruden as well, but if we are to believe that the QB has any responsibility and autonomy directing this offensive scheme, then all eyes should be directed at #4. It matters not who or where we play, either. Many of us are pretty much exhausted with this guy. We’ve given Mr. Carr the benefit of much deserved doubt long enough.

It seems we have a good many amongst our fan base that refuses to acknowledge Carr’s record of futility and his shortcomings for various reasons. Many of us know or suspect why he’s been exonerated by his supporters. I don’t think I need to state that reason, but it’s real. And unfortunate. Nevertheless, those of us who expect a hell of a lot more from our supposed team leader and franchise QB, have every right to question a players performance. This is football, if memory serves?

While some see Carr through rosary-colored glasses, others just want production and success like the previous Raider greats we grew up watching. It’s been a long time for us older folks who have a high standard we’re trying to recapture, like Jon Gruden evokes frequently. Certainly that’s not irrational.

What is irrational is to keep persevering through the same subpar play at the QB position and expecting different results. There’s a term for that, too.

P.S. I’m hoping those who disagree with this post can at least refrain from labeling those of us who aren’t impressed by Derek Carr as "haters".