WR Corps

On that 4th-and-1 failure, Carr rolled to his right, extending the play, and wasn’t satisfied with his options, gesturing disapprovingly with his arms toward his receivers after throwing the ball away.

The Raiders’ offensive line often allows Carr ample time in the pocket, but frequently, Carr can’t find an open WR. Not helping matters, the position has been a revolving door for much of the season. Most notably for this week, WR Hunter Renfrow is still out after being injured in the Jets game three weeks ago. He had earned Carr’s trust and become a go-to guy.

Perhaps WR Rico Gafford — recently promoted from the practice squad and fresh off a one-catch performance with a 49-yard touchdown — can continue to make a difference. Maybe WR Tyrell Williams, a favorite of Carr’s early in the campaign, can finish strong. Zay Jones is another possibility. It would be nice if the Raiders could get a significant return for the fifth-round draft pick they surrendered for the wideout.

Wide receivers Marcell Ateman and Keelan Doss are another two players on the roster that Gruden and Carr can consider. But somebody, anybody, has to step up, especially with tight end Foster Moreau out for the season. That largely ruins the three-tight end sets the Raiders often run. Watch to see if Oakland’s wideouts can pick up the slack and give Carr some easy targets.

As the Raiders’ veteran QB, Carr is also tasked with instilling the importance of this game to his teammates while on the field. During the week, Gruden is almost assuredly hammering the point home: the Raiders need to honor the decades of history that’s taken place within The Coliseum’s walls and perform at a high level.

Plus, if the Raiders win, they will be that much closer to ending this topsy-turvy season on a high note. But on Sunday, that won’t matter. The only focus will be to win this single game and send The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum out in style, giving their fans one last celebration in the Raiders’ historic home.

[vertical-gallery id=59060]

[lawrence-newsletter]