The Raiders are less than a week away from their first game of the 2020 NFL season and that means its time to make some bold predictions.
In a recent article by Paul Gutierrez of ESPN, he predicted that quarterback Derek Carr would have the best year of his career to date, throwing for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. Here is what the ESPN beat writer had to say about Carr entering the year:
Derek Carr, the most polarizing figure in recent Raiders lore, will excel in this, his third season in Jon Gruden’s offense and — with more weapons and a stout offensive line — pass for 4,500 yards and 30 TDs to lead the Raiders to a wild-card berth. Continuity is key for Carr, and he will convert his detractors with every long score to Henry Ruggs III and every play he extends while playing in the Pro Bowl in his home stadium. That is, of course, unless the Raiders are in the Super Bowl. What, you wanted bold, right?
Carr has never thrown for more than 4,100 yards in a season, let alone 4,500. He’s also only crossed the 30 touchdown threshold once in his NFL career and that was back in 2015 (32).
This is easily the most talented offense that Carr has been in and now that he is entering the third season under Jon Gruden, it’s not impossible that we could see a spike in his production.
If Carr is able to put up those types of numbers in Las Vegas, the Raiders will have a great shot at making the playoffs this season. Look for the former Fresno State passer to have a monster year with the Raiders this year.
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