Derek Carr explains what gives him hope for the future of the Raiders
Nov 17, 2022, 5:00 PM
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts as he walks off the field following the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 32-23. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders were the kings of close games.
The team went 4-0 in overtime games, won an NFL record six games on the final play of regulation, and ended the season with a 7-2 record in games decided by one score.
This year, the opposite is happening. The Raiders are 0-6 in close games, losing by an average of just over four points and never more than a touchdown and extra point.
When asked about the inverse of this year compared to last, quarterback Derek Carr explained that the schemes are different and even though a lot of the roster carried over, it’s a different team.
“We have the same attitude. We have the same mindset. We’re just trying to make it all come together right now. And sometimes it takes more time than you want to. It definitely takes more time than anyone on the outside wants it to because it’s NFL. It’s like, ‘What can you do for me right now?’ But I think what owner said it best – it’s not built in just one day. It really isn’t. And what his belief is, and what Josh [McDaniels] and Dave’s [Ziegler] belief is.”
When asked if there is anything to be positive or optimistic about these close game situations, Derek Carr explained they show how good this team is and can be.
“What it does show us is, it’s not like we’re some terrible football team that has no chance every time we go out there,” Carr said. “Every time we’ve been out there, except for the Saints game, we all felt like we had a chance to win and we’re putting ourselves in position. And so, we’re all buying in not only to schemes, but philosophies on how to play the game. And everyone is learning that, and I think that we want it to happen right now. And we are working on making it happen right now. It just hasn’t happened as fast as we want it to. But in our mind, there’s no doubt that if we keep working that we could do that.”
