Derek Carr disputes claim of “fracture” with Oakland Raiders
By Erik Lambert
Rumors can always be a dangerous thing. Derek Carr is learning that first-hand as his relationship with the Oakland Raiders gets called into question.
Much of it probably stems from the ongoing trade buzz swirling around the organization. Khalil Mack was already traded and now Amari Cooper is gone as well. Many feel it’s only a matter of time before Jon Gruden ships Carr out as well. Why? It has a lot to do with his recent inconsistent play but also a sudden surge of whispers questioning his toughness.
Marcus Thompson of The Athletic got the ball rolling there when he reported of an apparent “fracture” between the quarterback and some of his Raider teammates. This stems from the apparent visual of him injuring his arm during the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. A game where the offense managed just three points.
Carr’s brother Darren came out in his defense, posting a long list of injuries the quarterback has suffered (and played through) during his time in Oakland. That’s when Carr himself spoke up, stating that the perceived details were false. He was not crying at all. He was yelling at teammates to help get him up and off the field.
Don’t even waste your time with this big bro. On the ground I yelled get me up get me. Then I got to the sideline and yelled again. Not one tear. Not one time. There is the Truth. People will click on it because it sounds crazy. But stop playing with me.
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) October 23, 2018
People can question Carr’s play but his toughness is off-limits
Now look. There’s no disputing that Carr hasn’t played well this season. A lot of that isn’t his fault. His surrounding cast has badly deteriorated this year. The offensive line is a mess and his weaponry is disappearing with Cooper gone and Marshawn Lynch on injured reserve. Combine that with playing in a new, complicated offense under a notorious taskmaster like Gruden? Yeah, it’s not that surprising that he’s a bit off.
Yet for some people, if true to come out and question his toughness? That’s out of line. Carr is a competitor. That much has been true since he got to the NFL. He’s played through a lot of pain, especially over the past couple of years. He tries to win every Sunday, which is more than can be said for a lot of the players on that roster. If anything the organization needs more players like their quarterback. All that aside, instead of the Raiders wanting to move on from him maybe it’s time for him to push for moving on from them.