Once the undisputed starter for the Houston Texans, Matt Schaub self-destructed in 2013 which led to him being traded to the Raiders, who are still seeking their first permanent starting QB in over a decade.
The Oakland Raiders have lacked QB stability since Rich Gannon’s MVP season in 2002. In more than a decade since then the Raiders have gone through numerous bad draft picks, bad trades and overpriced free agent pickups in an attempt to find their franchise QB.
Heading into 2014, the Raiders have two new QBs who will fight for the chance to be the Raiders’ starter.
The Competitors:
Matt Schaub – The Houston Texans’ starting QB since 2007, who led the team to their only winning records and playoff appearances in franchise history, imploded in 2013 with an NFL record 3 straight weeks with an interception returned for a TD. In the offseason he was traded to the Raiders where he will get a chance to revive his career.
Derek Carr – The rookie who the Raider drafted 36th overall in the 2nd round. Carr became one of the few QBs in NCAA history to throw for 50 TDs and over 5,000 yards in a season as the Fresno State starting QB. Because of his great arm and mechanics, he was viewed as a possible 1st round pick in 2014.
Who Is The Frontrunner?
Carr – Despite his lack of NFL experience, Carr has been praised for how quickly he has picked up the Raiders’ offense. Schaub on the other hand is already in his 30s and was acquired in a trade for a low draft pick, so the Raiders do not have quite as much invested or even to expect from a guy coming off his worst NFL season.
Who Has The Most Potential?
Carr – With youth, a huge arm and arguably the most potential of any pocket passer among rookie QBs, Carr looks like he could really be the franchise QB that the Raiders need down the road. Whether he is ready to take the reins now is up for debate.
Odd Men Out:
Trent Edwards and Matt McGloin – Oakland’s two backup QBs will have to compete for the 3rd QB position. Edwards is a journeyman who has not won a game since 2009. McGloin went undrafted out of Penn State and went 1-5 as a starter for the Raiders in 2013. McGloin may win since he is the younger and arguably more talented option.
Prediction:
Carr wins. Schaub becomes backup. McGloin #3. The Raiders want desperately to reach their first winning season since 2002 and to that end they should take a risk by throwing Carr into the starting role early and seeing if he is already the guy they need or if he still needs more preparation.
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