The performance of this year’s Raiders team has changed the whole league’s perception of the franchise. Before this year they hadn’t won over 8 games since 2002 and were widely regarded as the “scrubs” of the league and a terrible team. Derek Carr was the main reason behind the changes that occurred this season and was the face of the team. He boasted a 63.8 percent completion percentage and also had 28 touchdowns compared to a mere 6 interceptions. His sensational play this year in only his third year was remarkable and it proved that he was an elite quarterback who was often overlooked and not given enough credit. In fact, he led the team to winning 12 games and coming within one game of winning the division. It looked like the Raiders would be a serious competitor to win the Super Bowl until disaster struck.

The disaster came in the form of a sack in the second to last game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts. Trent Cole broke through the offensive line and delivered a hit on the lower body of Derrick Carr. The hit in real time didn’t look particularly brutalizing but it was quickly apparent that something was seriously wrong. Instead of bouncing back up, Carr looked like he was in agonizing pain and quickly motioned for his teammates to gather the trainers and to assist him off the field. The stadium seemed to have all of the energy sucked out of it and the crowd looked on with horrified eyes. The Raiders were able to secure the victory but that was the last thing on everyone’s mind. Later when all of the fans found out that he had broken his leg, some reactions were hopeful whereas and some were of panic. The general consensus was one of uncertainty and extreme worry for the wellbeing of the rest of the season.

In the game following against the Broncos, the Raiders looked extremely lackluster and uninspiring without Carr. In a game where they were supposed to dominate they struggled mightily and could barely even move the ball. Their run game was nonexistent and the offensive line allowed a lot of hits on the quarterback. It was very clear that Carr was even more important to the Raiders then even his biggest supporters had thought. He was the glue that held together the whole team and was the key to their continued success. The final score was a blowout of 24-6 in the Broncos favor, a large disappointment considering earlier this year the Raiders were able to defeat the Broncos. This was extremely concerning going into the playoffs and many fans believed the Raiders were going to get demolished in the first round.

The playoff game against the Houston Texas was projected to be a very close game. The Raiders were known to be a better team but starting at quarterback they had a rookie who was making his very first start. The game was very close and the Raiders tried their best to win, but their rookie Connor Cook did not seem comfortable in the pocket and rushed many of his throws. The Texans were able to advance and the Raider’s incredible season ended in an extremely disappointing fashion.

That being said the Raiders have an incredibly bright future and pose to be a serious competitor next year when Carr is healthy again. They changed the way the league views them and now teams are scared and worried to be matched up against them for the foreseeable future. They have tons of talent and a lot of players who will hopefully grow into their role next year.

The Raiders' Ship Sinks

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