The Oakland Raiders defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-25 on Saturday afternoon, but in victory, they suffered a great loss. When Trent Cole grabbed Derek Carr‘s ankle and rolled over him, he came out grabbing his ankle, screaming in pain. After a trip to the locker room, the Raiders learned that he had broken his fibula, and that he was done for the year.
Derek Carr Is Done for 2016
This is devastating for Raiders fans. Carr was having a MVP caliber season (3,933 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only six interceptions), and he had led the Raiders to their first playoff berth since 2002. The Raiders lived and died on the arm of Derek Carr, and without him, it remains to be seen how they’ll fare in the post-season.
Assuming the Raiders can defeat the Denver Broncos next week, or that the Kansas City Chiefs lose a game, the Raiders will still win the AFC West and receive a first round bye. That means that the Raiders would only have to win two games to go to the Super Bowl. Given that Carr was only one of Oakland’s league-high seven Pro Bowlers, the team could surprise everyone by making a push.
However, without Carr, it seems unlikely. In Carr’s absence, Matt McGloin will start for the Raiders. McGloin has been fine for the Silver and Black in the past, but he’s no Derek Carr. In his career, McGloin has thrown exactly 11 touchdowns and exactly 11 interceptions. He’ll have one of the best offensive lines in the league, as well as exceptional pass catchers, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree at his disposal.
However, it seems unlikely that he’ll be able to lead the Raiders in the clutch like Carr could. Carr set the record for game winning touchdown passes in a season in 2016, and he’s the biggest reason for the Raider revival. The season isn’t over, but on this Christmas Eve, a dark shadow has been cast over the Raider Nation.
