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It’s been long two-plus years since coach Jon Gruden rejoined the Raiders and initiated a team rebuild, but slowly, the franchise’s efforts are paying dividends.
Las Vegas has earned a 5-3 record behind four road wins, are 2-0 in the AFC West, and handed the Super Bowl champion Chiefs their only loss.
The success has a lot to do with Gruden’s offense, led by quarterback Derek Carr, one of the lone holdovers from the coach’s rebuild. Not only is Carr thriving in the passing game with 2,002 yards, 16 touchdowns and just two interceptions, but he’s also impressed while scrambling for first downs and making plays with his feet.
That’s a skill coveted by Gruden. The coach had success with Rich Gannon, a mobile QB and former NFL MVP, during his first stint as Raiders coach from 1998-01. He’s tried to instill that quality in Carr since returning to the team, and Carr is putting it all together in year three with his coach. His scrambling was especially evident when Carr lept through the air for a first down in Las Vegas’ win against the Chargers.
“It’s a great effort,” Gruden told reporters on Monday, referring to the play. “We’ve talked about Derek scrambling and creating more offense with his legs. That’s consecutive weeks he’s converted a play on his own. That’s a huge winning edge for us right now — Carr’s improvisation and scrambling ability. As long as he protects himself and protects the ball, that’s the most important thing.”
Carr also converted a crucial 3rd-and-8 play in the Raiders win in Cleveland, though just like his play against the Chargers, the QB didn’t slide. While Carr’s newfound ability to scramble when appropriate is exactly what Gruden wants and has given Las Vegas an added dimension thus far, it’s crucial that Carr follows all of his coach’s instructions and takes care of the ball and himself.
But if Carr can keep this positive trend going, it’s huge for the Raiders. The West Coast offense benefits greatly from a QB that can take off and run when the opportunity arises, as does any offense.
With Gruden’s scheme, however, the main concern isn’t game-breaking plays as much as it is avoiding sacks and staying ahead of the sticks, setting up 3rd and short opportunities. Carr has the athletic ability to do that easily, and it’s finally showing consistently as he and Gruden lead the club on a playoff run.