It’s only been one game, but new Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden is already feeling the pressure.
The Raiders lost their Week 1 matchup against the L.A. Rams 33-13, with quarterback Derek Carr throwing interceptions along the way. While speaking with the media on Wednesday afternoon, Gruden openly questioned Carr’s passing decisions, highlighting a couple of plays were Amari Cooper was open but not targeted by the Oakland quarterback.
Gruden: “Cooper was open deep, he was open a couple times. For whatever reason, we didn’t go there.”
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 12, 2018
Carr said it’s been a tough adjustment, as Gruden wants him to throw it away and punt rather than make a mistake. “We’re trying to find that line together.” #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 12, 2018
Sounds like Gruden wants Carr to take less risks, and the change of tactics is proving to be a bit of a struggle for the fifth year gunslinger.
The good news is that Carr might get wide receiver Martavis Bryant back soon. The Raiders re-signed the wide receiver this week just 10 days after releasing him. If he plays, he’s a welcome addition to Oakland’s receiving corp. However, a possible year-long suspension from the league looms after Bryant’s repeated failed drug tests for marijuana.