Raiders Opinion: Better Talent Widens Offensive Opportunities

Unlike previous seasons, Derek Carr won’t have to be surgically precise. Instead, improved talent gives the Raiders a greater margin of error.

Following Derek Carr’s three-year extension, which will net him around $40 million per year, the Las Vegas Raiders are now officially set to make a case as one of the top offenses in the league. However, having a stacked offense can lead teams towards overconfidence or a lack of fear, which may have been what set the Kansas City Chiefs off to a bit of a rocky start in 2021. The Chiefs’ gameplan entered the season strongly emphasizing deep passes to Tyreek Hill, which is relatively predictable when attempted in high quantities, leading to struggles. Kansas City got rolling when Patrick Mahomes went back to basics such as completing passes and letting his receivers do more of the work.

Faith In The Process

Although the Raiders do not have a speed threat on pace with Hill, Derek Carr has at times shown reliability on the assumption that his go-to receiver will be wide open, as the play is designed. But, teams watch film and have all the resources necessary to study opponents’ plays and prepare for just about anything. Simply having high-level talent around him does not mean every pass is going to be a completion. Carr is at his best when he has to work for completions, whether it be touch passes or throwing on the move, and work is exactly what he must do to make this offense successful.

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Take A Chance

While the higher the quantity and quality of pass-catchers also increases the potential for a checkdown pass. Meanwhile, the entire team could benefit should Carr take the extra second to put a little extra on a pass. Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow all have the ability to create space, which for Carr, any space is enough. There will be receivers running open on true routes, and checkdowns should be used strictly in case of emergency.

Breathing Room And Less Stress

Aside from an offensive line teetering on average, the 2022 Raiders could stand as the best under Derek Carr. While the team has previously had to try to keep up with opposing offenses, they could very well be telling teams to try and keep up this year. Additionally, with the Raiders’ defense being equally bolstered, turnovers may not have as much of an impact, opening the field a bit more for Carr and the offense to take a few chances. While this does not excuse careless throws and turnovers, the Raiders will not have to play “perfect” games to win; as the team gets better, the margin for error tends to expand.