It’s no secret that Raiders coach Jon Gruden loves mobile quarterbacks. He raves about almost every versatile prospect if given the opportunity, and he signed dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota to a lucrative contract this offseason.
Furthermore, Gruden had success with a mobile quarterback during his first stint as Raiders coach, with former MVP QB Rich Gannon. The coach has tried to coax this skill from current Raiders QB Derek Carr almost as soon as he rejoined the club in 2018.
With Carr in his third year in Gruden’s offense, the QB has put his athleticism to use increasingly often. He had one of the finest rushing games of his career in the Raiders 16-6 win against the Browns, gaining 41 yards on six attempts. Most of his carries came as pass plays broke down, and there was even a designed run late in the game.
“That is what we have all been asking for,” Gruden said to reporters after the win. “We have all been saying, ‘Hey, extend a couple plays. Why don’t you extend a couple plays?’ Today, he extended a couple plays. Those were, I think, the plays that were the secret sauce in the win today.”
The coach pointed out the designed run, which set up a Las Vegas score, though Carr did fumble at the end of the play, with running back Devontae Booker recovering near the goal line.
Gruden might want to be careful with those, as Carr is prone to fumbling. But when there are no open receivers and room to run, Carr should keep this running trend going. It’s good for the team, and as a bonus, it appears Carr has fun. Here he is getting pumped up from one of his better runs, good for a first down.
Tell 'em, @derekcarrqb.#LVvsCLE | FOX pic.twitter.com/NqN1HZDIzB
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 1, 2020
Carr failed to slide at the end of this play, however, and he should learn how to do so if he does in fact keep bolting from the pocket as he did against the Browns. He has to protect himself and the ball in the future.
Gruden, when asked about his reaction to Carr lowering the shoulder on run plays, agreed. “I don’t say, ‘Atta boy.’ I say ‘Are you out of your mind? Don’t get carried away.’ He is a great competitor. I am just proud that he is finding all kinds of ways to move the team,” Gruden said.
Carr’s athleticism is more than good enough to run from the pocket when the play breaks down and there is open grass in front of him, and the west coast offense benefits greatly from a QB that doesn’t hesitate when such an opportunity arises. Gruden’s been asking for it, and against the Browns, he got his wish. If Sunday was any indication, Carr appears ready to add a crucial element to his game for good.
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