Is there any position more important in sports than a QB is to a football team? That’s a question that has raged on for decades. But the answer, perhaps, is still the same. Yes. It’s a role that can make or break a team’s season, and the success of the team can be attributed to the performance of their QB more often than not. And now, the same question is there in front of the Raiders in order to make a championship-worth team for next season.
Las Vegas Raiders were fortunate to have Derek Carr as their starting QB for the past nine seasons. However, with a new season on the horizon, the Carr era in Las Vegas saw an end with the team opting to sign Jimmy Garoppolo to take over the reins of the team. But with big changes to the team, how will the Raiders fare this season after an unsanctimonious end with Derek Carr?
The Case for Jimmy Garoppolo taking over
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Jimmy Garoppolo is no stranger to high-level football, having spent the past few seasons with San Francisco 49ers, including a Super Bowl Appearance during that time. During his time with the 49ers, Garoppolo was plagued by injuries, which limited his playing time. But NFL analysts Chris Simms and Connor Rogers believe that the veteran QB can bolster the Raiders’ offense.
“I think they’re going to be happier with Jimmy Garoppolo… I think he’s got a little bit more of a mentality of what they want at the quarterback position,” the analyst said.
They were especially enamored by the changes and differences Garoppolo’s presence can bring to the Raiders. Given the disappointing play from Derek Carr last season, the Raiders will certainly hope that the fresh face of Garoppolo and his familiarity with HC Josh McDaniels be a huge boost to the roster.
“It does feel like the offense will function better with Jimmy…We’re not saying Jimmy’s better than Carr, but I think the offense functions better with Jimmy,” he added.
How can the Raiders change their offense with Jimmy Garoppolo?
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Derek Carr was the starting quarterback for the Raiders since 2014, during which time, he showed glimpses of greatness. But with the sporadicity of his play and lack of consistency, it was certainly time for the two sides to part ways. Adding a QB like Jimmy G, however, allows the Raiders a lot more flexibility, Simms believes.
“(Garoppolo) Can stand in there you know, pull the trigger into a tight window, let it loose there, where Carr might have been a little careful for them in that department,” Simms said.
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Garoppolo’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and let the ball fly every now and then could open up the field for the Raiders. For a team struggling to find an offensive rhythm the past few seasons, the change is surely welcome, although the capability of Garoppolo to stay healthy and elevate the Raiders is still up for debate.
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