NFL Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr’s Top 5 Performances of 2014

Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr's Top 5 Performances of 2014

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie quarterback Derek Carr was baptized by fire last year when he was forced into the starting role for the Oakland Raiders. Even with the Raiders not getting more than three wins, Carr's performance alone was one of Oakland's very few highlights in 2014.

Here are the top-five performances in 2014 by rookie quarterback Derek Carr.

5. Raiders vs. Houston Texans - Week 2

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the football against Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Raiders vs. Houston Texans - Week 2

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the football against Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In the home-opening loss against the Houston Texans, Carr showed the league why he is not considered solely a pocket passer. Rushing for 58 yards on four attempts with his longest run for 41 yards, Carr gave future opposing defensive coordinators something new to account for when facing the Raiders. He passed for 263 yards and completed a modest 64.3 percent of his throws that game.

4. Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills - Week 16

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills - Week 16

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Getting one of the Raiders' few wins last season, Derek Carr played a great game against the visiting Buffalo Bills in Week 16. Showing poise in the pocket and the ability to deliver the ball accurately downfield, Carr demonstrated why he should be the Raiders' franchise QB going forward. He completed 17-of-34 completions for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

3. Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns - Week 8

 Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr looks to throw against the Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Craig Robertson during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

3. Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns - Week 8

 Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr looks to throw against the Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Craig Robertson during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Carr had on of his best performances of the year against the Cleveland Browns, but the Raiders were not able to hold on for the win and fell 23-13. Irrespective of the loss, Carr bounced back from his poor quarterback play against the Cardinals a week prior. He threw for an impressive 328 yards and completed 63.0 percent of his passes with one touchdown.

2. Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers - Week 6

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr drops back for a pass against the San Diego Chargers
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

2. Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers - Week 6

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr drops back for a pass against the San Diego Chargers
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

While the Raiders as a whole put on a terrible game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Carr had his second-best showing. Throwing for 282 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions, the former Fresno State star had his breakout performance while wearing the silver and black. Prior to the game, Carr was listed questionable with injuries to his left knee and ankle. His toughness further proves that Carr is Raiders material.

1. Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers - Week 14:

Carr had his best performance of the season against their cross-bay rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. After falling 52-0 against the St. Louis Rams the week before, many believed the 49ers would roll over a weakened Oakland team. Instead, the Raiders bounced back from the humiliating loss and overcame a surprised San Francisco squad, winning 24-13. Carr had his highest passer rating (91.2) and completion percentage (78.6) of the year while completing three TDs with zero INTs.

James Forsythe is an NFL contributor at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim , “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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