Ten games into the season, the honeymoon might be over for Derek Carr and Jon Gruden.
The Raiders' quarterback and the coach were seen arguing on the sideline during the first half of Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. On the preceding sequence, the Raiders punted after a three-and-out.
Gruden wasn't happy. And Carr wasn't happy that Gruden wasn't happy.
Gruden and Carr exchanging words after a terrible 3 and out sequence. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/im3f7XkU3x
— NFNT. (@InfiniteRaiders) November 18, 2018
Everything is fine. pic.twitter.com/1QSdVw9Qe5
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) November 18, 2018
Raiders sideline reporter Chris Townsend initially reported that tight end Lee Smith "grabbed" Gruden by the back of the neck to calm down the coach after the exchange. Townsend later clarified that it appeared Smith grabbed Gruden by the shoulder.
Chris Townsend says in the press box at halftime Lee Smith put a hand on Jon Gruden's shoulder more than anything, not his neck while Gruden and Carr were talking...(I haven't seen the exchange)
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) November 18, 2018
Any lingering tension dissipated after halftime, according to Townsend.
Stop over blowing Gruden, Carr and Smith on sidelines. Nobody said anyone needed to be restrained. All three were all smiles with each other before the offense went back out! #RaiderNation @BleacherReport @PGutierrezESPN
— Chris Townsend (@townsendradio) November 18, 2018
The Raiders got their first touchdown in three weeks out of the way earlier in the game, and chances are Gruden and Carr will be just fine with each other with another win.