The Raiders signed up for a season's worth of Matt Schaub. Now they have to live with it.
Oakland's 33-year-old starting quarterback lasted four drives against a swarming Detroit pass rush before giving way to rookie Derek Carr in Friday night's 27-26 preseason win over the Lions.
Schaub wasn't a total disaster, finishing 8-of-13 passing for 87 yards and a pick that wasn't his fault. Before bowing out, he led an 11-play, 60-yard touchdown march that helped offset the stink of his first three scoreless drives -- including two three-and-outs.
Bottom line: This is the same Schaub we suffered through all last season. His arm strength is visibly compromised, one reason he's grown fond of dumping off the ball to safety valves out of the backfield.
Schaub faced heavy pressure behind a Raiders line that failed to pick up the Detroit blitz, but his lethargic delivery too often drains this offense.
We saw more rhythm and energy from rookie Derek Carr, who finished 9 of 16 for 109 yards and a score before leaving for the locker room with an apparent rib injury. Coach Dennis Allen later told reporters Carr sufferred a concussion.
Carr isn't as game-ready as Blake Bortles, but his physical tools outshine Schaub's. The first-year passer generated three scoring drives and displayed a lively arm. He operated the play-action pass with poise and drove the ball downfield, gaining comfort as the contest wore on.
Much of Carr's handiwork came against a swath of Lions reserves, but that doesn't alter Schaub's low ceiling. Carr can do anything the aged veteran can do, and he can do something Schaub can't: Provide a spark.
He'll be your Raiders starter by October.
The latest "Around the League Podcast" talks quarterback battles and debates the gang's preseason power rankings.
