» DEREK CARR SAYS HE’S STILL A RAIDER
ALAMEDA — Derek Carr smiled when asked Monday about reports of his future with the Raiders.
“We’ll see when that time comes,” Carr said. “They’re probably sick of us talking about it ... I had some good meetings with my coaches. I’m looking forward to Las Vegas.”
Carr made it clear following Sunday’s 16-15 loss to the Denver Broncos he’s a part of the Raiders going forward. Less than 14 hours later, Carr pretty much doubled down on that belief, only this time he was more subdued, to the point and much less expansive.
The six-year veteran reiterated the process toward the 2020 season has already begun.
“I’ve already started on that,” Carr said. “There were some things I talked with coaches about, my offensive coaches. We’ve already hit the ground running.”
The numbers say Carr had his best season — 4,054 yards passing, a 70.1 completion rate, just eight interceptions and a passer rating of 100.8. He attributes that to being in coach Jon Gruden’s system for a second season. Carr’s best statistical year before 2020 was in 2016 in his second year under coach Jack Del Rio and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.
“I don’t think its a surprise that my second time being in the same system, Year 2, have been my best years,” Carr said. “Just by far, statistically, were career highs in almost everything except wins. So we need to get more wins and I think everyone will chill out.”
Carr compares this season to 2015, when the Raiders were 7-9 and about to go 12-4 the following season before it ended with a broken leg on Christmas Eve against the Indianapolis Colts.
“It feels very similar, but this one feels better because everyone is so young and hungry,” Carr said. “We really see what can happen. We felt we should have won 10 games, looking back at it ... we’re sitting here having very different conversations. We’re preparing for a playoff game. That’s how close this game is.”
It sounds as if Carr is ready for a change of scenery while planning on wearing the same uniform. Asked if he is looking forward to Las Vegas, Carr said, “Very much. It’s exciting. I think it’s time for some fresh air.”