With the NFL season rapidly approaching, the Jets have at least one advantage heading into their Week 1 matchup with the Raiders — knowing who their starting quarterback will be.
The once-fabled, often-bumbling Oakland franchise remains the only team yet to declare its starter for the season opener, with the competition coming down to veteran Matt Schaub and rookie Derek Carr.
Schaub has been battling a sore elbow, as well as a precipitous drop from being one of the more effective quarterbacks in the league. With dwindling arm strength, Schaub threw 14 interceptions in 10 games with the Texans last season, and in the preseason with the Raiders, he’s completed just over 50 percent of his passes, throwing for 4.6 yards per attempt.
Carr, drafted in the second round out of Fresno State, will get a chance to gain favor in the team’s final preseason game against Seattle, possibly winning a job that didn’t look as if it would be up for grabs when Schaub was acquired in March. The younger brother of former No. 1 overall pick David has impressed the coaching staff so far.
“I’ve said it from Day One, the guy’s comfortable in the huddle,” offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. “The game’s not too big for him. I still believe he sees the field very well. I don’t think the game’s too fast for him, which a lot of times is a concern with a rookie quarterback.”
Since Rich Gannon won the NFL MVP during the 2002 season, the Raiders have had the following starting quarterbacks: Rick Mirer, Marques Tuiasosopo, Kerry Collins, Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter, Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper, JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye, Jason Campbell, Carson Palmer, Kyle Boller, Terrelle Pryor, Matt McGloin and Matt Flynn.
Whoever starts Sept. 7 should help the Jets get off to a good start this season.