January 1, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) throws as San Francisco 49ers defensive finish Nick Bosa (97) strikes in through the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities
Giants information: Farhan Zaidi explains looming frustration with Carlos Correa drama by Scott Rogust
Jarrett Stidham made his first begin for the Raiders because the crew benched Derek Carr and it seems the QB may’ve been holding them again all alongside.
Maybe essentially the most stunning story of the 2022 NFL season — okay, at the least one of many many stunning tales this yr — was the Las Vegas Raiders making the choice to bench quarterback Derek Carr for the ultimate two video games. In his stead, the crew would flip to former Patriots backup Jarrett Stidham to take over the offense.
Within the rapid response, folks anticipated that to go extraordinarily poorly, particularly towards the vaunted 49ers protection. As a substitute, the Raiders have seemed shockingly sensible for his or her choice.
Stidham got here out trying not like any of the restricted occasions we’ve seen him in his quick profession towards San Francisco. Within the first three quarters of play, he threw for greater than 200 yards and three touchdowns whereas additionally dashing for 30 yards as effectively. Oh yeah, he additionally had Las Vegas up on the NFC West champions.
Jarrett Stidham dicing up 49ers as Raiders QB1 makes Derek Carr look worse
You need to surprise if Derek Carr was really the issue all alongside.
It’s been a completely unlucky season for the Raiders in 2022 as the primary yr beneath Josh McDaniels with Carr on the helm went 6-9 regardless of the offseason Davante Adams commerce, a robust group of weapons and excessive hopes coming into the yr.
Granted, as of this writing, Stidham had not received the sport. However for him to return out and have the silver and black get a leg up on top-of-the-line groups within the NFC speaks volumes to how various things sorted the quarterback change.
Who is aware of how lengthy that may final, however the prompt returns of switching to Stidham from Carr have paid off for the Raiders, which solely makes their choice to bench the veteran and ultimately transfer on from him this offseason look that rather more wise.