Marcus Mariota Looked Great in Place of Derek Carr

Derek Carr’s groin injury in the 1st Quarter forced him out of action where Marcus Mariota looked great in his place but failed to pickup the win on TNF.

THE FACTS

Derek Carr didn’t play at all after the 1st Qtr due to a groin injury suffered in the red zone
Marcus Mariota hasn’t played more than 1 snap since October 13, 2019
Mariota is the 1st QB to have 200+ PASS YDS & 75+ RUSH YDS despite not starting the game in the Super Bowl era
Mariota & Herbert became 1st opposing QBs from the same college to each have a PASS TD & RUSH TD in the the same game
Highest PASS RTG under pressure by rookie QB since ’06: 1. Justin Herbert (96.3), 2. RG III (87.7), 3. Marcus Mariota (82.0)
Most PASS YDS on 3rd down in 2020: 1. Derek Carr (1,136), 2. Aaron Rodgers (1,122), 3. Jared Goff (1,015)

Odds: RAID -159 (Spread -3.5)
RAID Stock Price: $10.62 | LAC Stock Price: $7.08

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Mariota took control in Carr’s place

Mariota's first pass is right on the money. #RaiderNation

📺: #LACvsLV on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/4Du1rBQ2Pz
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2020

MARIOTA.

A 35-yard dime to Darren Waller puts the @Raiders ahead! #RaiderNation

📺: #LACvsLV on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/FusOSKmV85
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2020

What a performance from Marcus Mariota.

He ties the game at 24 with 6:16 remaining! #RaiderNation

📺: #LACvsLV on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/mtiQ8zYZYf
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2020

Full Game Highlights from Raiders vs. Chargers

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

Marcus Mariota proved he could be battling for a starting job in 2021

It’s not clear how much time Derek Carr is expected to miss, but Marcus Mariota proved he can step in his place and produce like a quality starting QB who adds a running element to the offense better than some of the most successful QBs in the league.

FUTURE OUTLOOK

COLORS KEY | FULL RAIDERS FUTURE OUTLOOK

Mariota could give Derek Carr some competition in the summer when the Raiders are deciding on who will be their starter in 2021. Las Vegas is a dark horse to be active on the market this year in search for a veteran like Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, or Matt Ryan.