Oakland Raiders: 5 Keys To Success In 2015

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Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after the Raiders defeated the Buffalo Bills 26-24 at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Derek Carr must continue to improve

This one is absolutely a no-brainer. The team runs through the quarterback, and that is more obvious with the Raiders than anywhere else in the league. For years they haven’t had a solid starting quarterback, and for years they have been one of the league’s worst teams.

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Now, it looks like they may just have a passer they can rely on.

Carr lead all rookie quarterbacks in passing yardage and touchdowns last season, even if he only managed to lead the Raiders to a 3-13 record. He struggled with consistency, and had some very poor games but also some excellent games. The key to his second year in the league will be elevating those poor games to passable, and increasing the number of excellent games.

Last year, he had games such as week five against the chargers when he threw for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns on 18/34 passing and week thirteen against the 49ers when he through for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns on 22/28 passing. However, he also had two games where he failed to complete 50% of his passes, and seven games where he threw as many or more touchdowns than interceptions.

The Raiders aren’t expecting Carr to have league-MVP numbers next year, but they are expecting him to improve. He’s had a full season to learn the offense and adjust to the pace of an NFL game. He’s got to develop consistency, and make his outstanding games happen more than twice a year.

He’s also got to make his performance matter by being leading his team to victory. Oakland’s three victories do not accurately reflect Carr’s solid performance, and he had several games in which he played very well but the team did not come away with a win. He needs to become a more outstanding leader, and show his team by example that he desires to be a part of a winning football team.

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio praised Carr for his progress and preparation this offseason:

"“Some stand out in their preparation more than others,” said Del Rio (via Eddie Paskal of Raiders.com) I think he’s been somebody that, in my short time being around him, has been very impressive. He really has the work ethic. He’s here early. He’s doing things on his own. I think it’s a great sign when your quarterback leads the way with his work ethic. I think he’s on the right path that way as a player in this league.”"

This offseason work is a sign that Carr isn’t becoming complacent, but instead is realizing how much room he still has to improve. Many people feel that Vikings rookie Teddy Bridgewater was the best rookie quarterback last season, but Carr is hoping to be the better franchise player. He knows this is going to take a lot of work, and is making use of this offseason.

Each of Oakland’s victories was in the second half of 2014, and Carr’s performance steadily improved all season. If he can continue that improvement into 2015, the Raiders will be in good shape.

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