Raiders Opinion: Pass Heavy Offense Leads

As we enter Week 13 of the 2021 NFL season, Derek Carr leads the league in passing yards and his leading receiver is none other than Hunter Renfrow, just as everyone had expected. Obviously, unforeseen happenings create unforeseen results. Yet, Carr leading the NFL in passing yards is something very few saw happening.

Yardage Leader

Entering the Raiders’ twelfth game of the year, Carr sits at 3,414 passing yards. That number remains on pace to shatter his personal record for yards in a season. Carr’s current record sits at 4,103 yards. However, the eight-year veteran is currently on pace to record 5,276 yards. To be fair, the Raiders dialed up far more passing plays in 2021 than ever before. Also, Josh Jacobs’ season total of 420 rush yards confirms that. In fact, Carr’s current average pass attempts per game could stand in the top-20 for most passes in a season.

Pass Heavy, Run Light?

The problem with leaning towards a more one-dimensional offense is that the outcome of the game is placed more heavily on Carr’s shoulders. Statistically, the Raiders almost solely depend on Carr’s performance to achieve victory, as the team finds themselves 6-0 when Carr throws over 300 yards, yet 0-5 with anything less.              Obviously, football is a team sport and wins and losses are determined by more than quarterback play. Meanwhile, putting this much weight on Carr is a bit harrowing. In previous years, the Raiders could attempt to rely on Josh Jacobs during Carr’s “off” games, but with the minor downgrade of their offensive line, Las Vegas has made their bed in the passing game.

Surprise Threat

Due to the Raiders gameplan, the team has been given the ability to show off some of their wide receiver depth. While many expected Darren Waller to significantly lead the team in receiving, Hunter Renfrow has pulled ahead by 15 yards. In the 2020 season, Bryan Edwards was essentially an afterthought, but has since proven his worth and racked up over 440 receiving yards so far. It is difficult to determine what is more surprising: Waller not leading the team in yards or that it is currently Renfrow who wears the Raiders receiving crown.

Spreading The Wealth

Wisely facilitating the ball is something Carr has not particularly been known for, and has been criticized for over-targeting Waller at times, but the eighth-year quarterback has proven his ability to continue growing as a player. General consensus has regarded a quarterback’s sixth or seventh year in the league as their athletic and mental peak, yet Derek Carr is currently on pace to prove that statement wrong, as he continues to show that his best is still yet to come.

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