Raiders QB Derek Carr's poor Week 1 play part of a trend

According to Bryant Horn of Pro Football Focus, Carr's play declines sharply when he faces pressure. 

“Carr handled the third-most pressured dropbacks (239) and pressured attempts (186) in 2021, completing 100 (second-most) of them. He tallied five touchdowns and a group-topping nine interceptions in those situations," he wrote. "He also led the group with 19 turnover-worthy plays."

It's evident that Carr doesn't fare well against hands in his face, but there shouldn't be that much pressure in the first place. The offensive line play has suffered over the years, most recent allowing five sacks in Week 1. Improvement in the trenches is necessary for the Raiders QB to perform at his best.

Carr has one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. In addition to his strong history with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and the newly extended tight end Darren Waller, Carr showed in the opener that his college connection with All-Pro wideout Davante Adams hasn't waned. In Week 1, Adams caught 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. 

Adams agreed with the sentiment that he and Carr share an excellent on-the-field relationship: 

The receiving corps, however, isn't enough to carry the offense. 

In the home opener in Week 2, Carr faces the Cardinals, a much tamer opponent than the Chiefs. In a Week 1 loss to Kansas City, Arizona allowed 44 points. 

The game is a perfect bounce-back opportunity, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes: "With the Raiders coming off a loss in their season opener and Carr playing an uncharacteristically poor game while throwing three interceptions, part of looking forward to the Cardinals also meant flushing away the frustration of the loss to the Chargers."