Silver Minings: Derek Carr playing at a high level ... and he’s getting plenty of help

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is playing some of the best football of his seven-season career, and Sunday night he was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded quarterback of the season.

One of the reasons why Carr has been so successful this season is the Raiders have improved the offense around him. The offensive line, once again, was brilliant Sunday night in a 35-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. A better offense and the fact that Carr is comfortable in Jon Gruden’s system is paying off. Gruden spoke highly of Carr’s success Monday.

“I think he’s played good since I’ve been here. We’ve improved the supporting cast, honestly,” Gruden said. “I don’t care who you are, what quarterback or what team you play for, the better you block, the better you run the ball, the better your receivers are, the better you’re going to perform. I think it’s just a combination of him being able to put up with me and some of my craziness. He’s more tolerant now probably, but he’s also a great quarterback. He always has been and the supporting cast is better ... he’s playing supremely.”

Other Raiders links:

• Rest of season is looking good: The Raiders’ six remaining opponents have a combined record of 23-37;
• Heated rivalry: The Athletic writes about how hot the Raiders-Chiefs rivalry is these days.
• Rewind: The Athletic breaks down the Raiders’ 35-31 loss Sunday night.
• Grades are in: The San Jose Mercury News has grades for the Raiders’ loss.
• Five things we learned: The San Jose Mercury News looks at key points in the Week 11 loss.