The single biggest question surrounding the Raiders in 2020 is what can Derek Carr do in Year 3 under head coach Jon Gruden? In 2019, Carr played well as he set career highs in completion percentage, passing yards and passer rating. He also averaged 7.9 yards per attempt, which was ninth-best in the NFL last season.
Entering the 2020 season, there are still some doubts about Carr and whether or not he is a franchise quarterback. Some believe he can still get the job done and with better receiver play, that should prove to be true. Others believe the Raiders could turn the reigns over to Marcus Mariota at some point during the regular season.
In a recent article by Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, he ranked all the quarterbacks by tier entering the 2020 season. Tier 1 was filled only by Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson, while Tier 2 had other prolific passers such as Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers.
Carr was listed in Tier 3 with several other young quarterbacks such as Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, and Carson Wentz. Palazzolo described Tier 3 quarterbacks as “volatile or conservative quarterbacks who will rely even more heavily on supporting cast and playcalling.” He did mention that with the right cast around them, they can produce at elite levels.
With that in mind, take a look at Palazoolo’s thoughts on Carr entering the 2020 season with Jon Gruden:
There’s no denying Carr’s ability to throw the ball accurately and with the requisite amount of velocity to every level of the field, and that’s why I’ve advocated for a more aggressive approach to maximize the offense’s effectiveness. The Raiders’ offensive weapons aren’t great, but the pieces are improving. If Carr takes advantage, he’s capable of posting a top-10 season. He plays the game manager role just fine, but the Raiders can get more out of him and develop a high-octane offense at some point in the next few years.
If players like Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards can produce as rookies, then the Raiders’ supporting cast should be among the league’s best given their talent at running back and tight end. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have done a great job of building an offense that makes sense for Carr and 2020 should be the first time we see that on full display.
But make no mistake about it, 2020 is a make-or-break year for Carr. If he can continue to develop and improve, that should quiet any questions about the team’s need for a franchise quarterback. But if he struggles with all of the added weapons and takes a step backward, don’t be surprised if the Raiders are searching for a new signal-caller next offseason.
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