Derek Carr has told the story several times. The day he moved to Las Vegas he looked at the Review-Journal and saw a photo of Tom Brady along with speculation about whether the Raiders would pursue the legendary quarterback as Carr’s replacement.
His annoyed reaction is understandable. Carr was looking for a fresh start as he entered his seventh year at the helm of a franchise moving to a new city and beginning a new era. Yet instead of a welcome mat, he was greeted by speculation of whether he was the right man for the job.
The perceived snub may have bristled Carr, but it may also have lit a fire under him.
Carr is off to a tremendous start and will look to keep it going when Brady finally does play in Las Vegas on Sunday, though it will be as Carr’s opponent, not replacement.