Raiders Will Start Rookie Derek Carr At Quarterback

Former Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub’s stock continues to fall as his new team, the Oakland Raiders, announced that rookie Derek Carr will start the Raiders opening game against the New York Jets in the Meadowlands. Schaub has been in the league for 10 years, and spent the last seven seasons with the Texans. He had a horrible 2013 season, throwing 14 interceptions, five of which went for touchdowns, in 10 games. The Raiders picked him up in a trade, but also drafted Carr (who played college football at Fresno State) in the second round in this year’s draft. Derek is the brother of former NFL QB David Carr. Ironically, Schaub replaced David Carr as the Texans’ starting quarterback in 2007.

Carr had a very good game in the preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks, completing 11 of 13 passes for143 yards and three touchdowns.  Carr’s first TD pass came against Seattle’s starting defense, so that certainly helped his chances. It remains to be seen how Carr does week in and week out when the games count, but if he falters, we could see Matt Schaub replace a Carr once again.

Derek Carr ran up some big numbers at Fresno State, especially in his senior season when he had 5082 passing yards and 50 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions. Here’s a highlight reel: