Josh McDaniels Has Surprising Response to Potentially Benching Derek Carr

Las Vegas Raiders fans have been calling for quarterback Derek Carr to be benched for weeks as the team continues to stumble along through a 6-9 season.

Fortunately, it sounds like head coach Josh McDaniels has finally heard them.

Las Vegas Raiders News

When asked about the possibility of benching Carr, McDaniels didn't deny it. Instead, he suggested it may happen if it's "the right thing." It's surprising to hear the Raiders head coach being open to the idea after the organization had previously backed Carr at every turn.

Based on the QB's rough performance over the past month, though, it's not a shock to see his leash getting shorter. The three-time Pro Bowler has now completed fewer than 60% of his passes in four straight games and has thrown a whopping 9 interceptions over his last five contests. His 60.8% completion rate is his worst since his rookie year in 2014, while his 14 interceptions are the most in the NFL.

Carr's struggles this season are even more concerning given that Las Vegas brought in one of the best receivers in the NFL (Davante Adams) last offseason, which should have boosted his numbers. And with running back Josh Jacobs having an elite season, opposing defenses have been forced to respect the Raiders' run game more than usual, opening things up for Carr and his receivers.

The 31-year-old's regression has been mystifying, to say the least, and he's running out of time to fix it. With the Raiders still technically alive in the playoff race, they can't afford any more poor outings from Carr, who may find himself on the pine if he sputters again this week.

Carr and his teammates will try to bounce back at home against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17. Las Vegas is currently listed as a 6-point underdog on FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL odds.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.