The Oakland Raiders are 4-4 at the midway point of the season. Jon Gruden just needed a year to get his coaching legs back underneath him and the Raiders seem to be in a good position moving forward.
Offensively, rookie Josh Jacobs has looked like the real deal. Darren Waller is having a breakout season at tight end and free agent signing Tyrell Williams has been effective when he is on the field. Most importantly, Derek Carr looks to have returned to his old self. He will look to keep his success going against a struggling Los Angeles Chargers' team.
Here are three bold predictions for Carr against the Chargers.
3. Carr Tosses Four Touchdowns
Carr has thrown for 1,984 yards this season. He has 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions through eight games. Carr has thrown a touchdown in every game this season except his Week 5 matchup against the Chicago Bears. When he takes on Los Angeles, Carr will log his first four touchdown game of the season.
The Chargers rank fifth in the league allowing 208.7 passing yards per game. They have stifled opposing quarterbacks from having big games. They have allowed 13 touchdowns through the air. Gruden and Carr will have to come up with a strong game plan for this one. It is not impossible to picture Carr having a massive game for the Raiders.
2. Three Straight Turnover Free Games
Turnovers have plagued Carr over the previous seasons which has caused skeptics to lose faith. So far this season, Carr is once again looking like a franchise quarterback for the Raiders and that is because he has cut down on the turnovers.
Over the last two games, Carr has not thrown an interception or fumbled. This is partially because of his decision making, but the offensive line for the Raiders has been playing great. Carr has been sacked just once over the last four weeks. The Chargers' defense has seven interceptions on the season, but they will not pick off Carr this week.
1. Game-Winning Drive
The Raiders are coming off a win over the Lions where their defense came up big in the red zone with the game on the line. It is time for Carr and the offense to return the favor. This should be a closely contested game. Neither team will be able to run away from the other one which leaves the door open for a game-winning drive for one side.
Let's give it to Carr. The Raiders are playing decent football at the halfway mark. They are a confident team with a smart head coach and a quarterback who has found himself. Whether it is a touchdown or field goal, it is time for Carr to lead the Raiders on a game-winning drive.
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