Raiders Opinion: Once Again With Feeling

In this space, I detailed the difference between Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr. I explained that the major difference remains between the ears. Physically, these two athletes cut a similar figure, blessed with athleticism and agility. Yet, football, for all of its abundant test of strength, quick twitch reflexes, remains partially a game of mentality. Seeing Aaron Rodgers calmly stroll through the Packers facility, in flip-flops, shorts, and TV-themed shirt provided yet another reminder. These two quarterbacks, for all of their physical similarities, are not the same. That fact can ultimately come back to hurt the Las Vegas Raiders.

Owns The Place

Cast Rodgers’ Super Bowl win and accolades aside for a second. Watch the player. In the offseason, Rodgers played a high-stakes game of chicken with management. As a result, he won the right to dictate his exit from Green Bay. Rodgers, unafraid to buck tradition and speak freely about his intentions, willingly absorbed the heat. Meanwhile, Derek Carr casts the image of a player that exhibits the desire for others to adore him. Rodgers wants victories. Carr seeks adulation. There are no rings for likability. Carr strolls up to the mic like he feels just happy to be there. On the other hand, Rodgers knows he’s there and will tell you, in no uncertain terms, that he is one of, if not, the best in the game. The ” aw, shucks” doesn’t fly with Rodgers. Entering year eight, Carr still marches to the exact same song.

Killer Instinct

As of this writing, the Packers look to trade for Randall Cobb. A favorite of Rodgers, Cobb appears to be a peace offering to soothe tensions. Imagine if Carr fought for Crabtree or went to the mat for Amari Cooper in the same fashion. How would the post-2018 years look? Rodgers stepped up with his demands and management, literally knew their role, and shut their mouths. Additionally, spare me the “bigger than the team” trope. Rodgers operates from a place of defiance tinged with confidence. Meanwhile, Carr shows an affable, team-oriented vibe. In a weird way, Rodgers exhibits an old-school Raiders mentality. Envision Rich Gannon, screaming at Gruden and not backing down.

The Clock

Aaron Rodgers wants to end his career on his own terms and write his own end chapter. Carr, now thirty, must feel the heat from expectation and the thought that almost a decade elapsed. The football player, at a high level, appears to possess a certain amount of elite snaps. How will he spend the balance of his? No one should question Derek Carr’s physical traits. They stack up with some of the best/ As with the previous year, he channels some scintilla of Aaron Rodgers’ demeanor. The Raiders need aggression from their leader to compete in the NFL.