The positive impact interim head coach Tony Sparano has had on this squad in just one week is obvious, and the emergence of a run game finally being used to its full potential was long overdue.
But getting quarterback Derek Carr back in the lineup after he sustained a high ankle sprain and an MCL sprain against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 was the biggest reason for hope for an offense that has gotten off to a sputtering start to the season.
Carr had the best game of his rookie season Sunday, throwing for a career-high 282 yards and four touchdowns, which were spread out over four quarters.
Oakland's fourth-quarter comeback attempt was cut short with an interception by Jason Verrett, but the takeaway on the day was the rookie's ability to lead a high-octane attack against San Diego's vaunted pass defense, which was No. 4 in the NFL heading into Sunday's game.
The Chargers defense was the best in the league in points allowed, with just 12.6, and Carr carved them up for double that.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller was impressed with Carr's mechanics, which have been steadily improving this season, and reported on Friday that Oakland owner Mark Davis wants to build around Carr. Carr is making that future look brighter as the season goes on, a long-term end game for a team that, in the short term of the 2014 season, needs to keep in mind.
Carr has benefited immediately from the departure of Dennis Allen and from Sparano's offensive mindset. The Raiders offensive line coach before he stepped into the interim head coach position, Sparano will place emphasis on a balanced offensive attack that will create opportun...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
