By What a year it’s been for the Las Vegas Raiders? The Raiders have endured their fair share of heart breaks and disappointments in recent years. From not making the playoffs since 2016, to moving away from Oakland to refresh the culture of the Raiders organization. Fast forward to today the road taken was not easy. The Raiders were faced with controversy all throughout the season. Disappointment and rage were felt by fans as there were no reasons to believe that this would be a positive year. Nevertheless, there was one man who ensured Raider Nation that they were not going to go down without a fight. His name is Derek Carr.
The Raiders were predicted to go 8-9 this year and 2-4 in the tough AFC West. To some dismay, that could discourage some fans but to others this could be a test to challenge themselves. The Raiders were starting to get a groove going 3-1 in the first four weeks until something drastic happened. An off field incident pertaining to (then) head coach Jon Gruden about homophobic and racist emails began to surface. With no denial of his actions, Jon Gruden resigned as coach. When asked about the controversy, Derek Carr stated that it’s hard because he “loves the man so much” reassuring that “no one is perfect.. but what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong.” He also closes out by saying that Gruden needs people to love him.
On November 2nd, 2021, its was reported that Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was involved in a fatal car crash taking the life of 23 year old Tina Tintor. Ruggs was not only released from the team, but arrested and tried in court to which bail was set for $150,000. When addressed about the situation, Carr stated again that Ruggs needs people to “love him right now.” “If no one else will do it, I’ll do it.” Carr spoke emphatically on the situation but again reassured that he has a job to do.
With an interim coach and missing one of his star receivers, Carr was ready to get the job done. At this time the Raiders were sitting at an even record of 5-5. They were on a 3 game losing streak until week 12 at Dallas. Derek Carr lit up the sky with 373 yards of passing and a touchdown. Hunter Renfrow stepped up with 134 yards receiving, tallied by Josh Jacob’s 87 yards rushing with a touchdown.
Fast forward to week 17, the Raiders playing a pivotal game against AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. The last time these teams met, the Chargers won by two touchdowns 28-14, but this time was different. Higher stakes equal higher rewards and the reward was a chance at the Super Bowl. The Raiders won this game by a narrow game winning field goal in overtime which punched their ticket to the next stage which is playoffs.
The most consistent piece in Raiders culture is Derek Carr. Derek Carr chose to step up when things got bad for the organization. He placed the team on his shoulders just to get a chance at glory. The road getting to the playoffs may have not been pretty, but the risks taken, the journey there makes it worth the while. The Raiders are a dangerous team to play against. They have one of the most balanced offenses in the league. Anyone in their lineups both offensively and defensively able to step up in any given moment. That theory will be put to test as they battle The Cincinnati Bengals in a wildcard match up this Saturday at 4:30pm on NBC. Will this be the next chapter in an imperfect Cinderella story for the Raiders?
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