G Gabe Jackson blocks for fellow rookie QB Derek Carr. Photo by Tony Gonzales
While the Raiders came up short yesterday against the Chargers, the 2014 draft class had an impressive day on the field for the Silver and Black.
During his postgame press conference, Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano singled out rookies that made positive impacts during the game against San Diego.
"When you really look at it, when you look at TJ [Carrie], look at Khalil [Mack] out there flying around out there today, and Gabe Jackson and Derek [Carr] and these kids, it's a good place to be right now," said Coach Sparano.
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Derek Carr**
The rookie from Fresno State continued his impressive 2014 campaign by tossing four touchdown passes in the game and setting a career high with 282 yards.
He now has eight passing touchdowns this season, which ties him with Matt McGloin for the most by a rookie in franchise history.
Coach Sparano praised Carr after the game, talking about what he has seen from his young quarterback. "He [Carr] really, I thought, played well today," said Coach Sparano. "The kid is a competitive kid. He's just getting better and better and better."
Khalil Mack
Mack made his fifth-consecutive start on Sunday, and tallied two tackles, including one tackle for loss. According to Pro Football Focus, he was credited with a season-high four quarterback hurries.
Gabe Jackson
Starting again at left guard, Gabe Jackson and the Oakland offensive line did not allow a sack of Derek Carr for the third time in five games.
The Mississippi State product also helped the Raiders rush for 114 yards on the ground against the San Diego defense.
TJ Carrie
The seventh-round pick out of Ohio had an impressive game for the Raiders both at cornerback and as the returner on special teams.
"His impact was in two areas," Coach Sparano said when talking about the rookie cornerback. "I felt TJ out there challenging the football. I felt him around the ball on defense. And then of course in the special teams game. He helped us shorten the field a little bit and our offense took advantage in some of those situations."
In addition to his four total tackles and two passes defensed, Carrie also recorded three kickoff returns for 85 yards (28.3 average) and three punts returns for 30 yards (10.0 average) with a long of 19 yards.
Justin Ellis
Ellis made his third-consecutive start on Sunday and recorded three total tackles and one tackle for loss, giving the rookie from Louisiana State 10 total tackles on the year.
