Hobby Rejoices: Derek Carr Named Raiders Starter

Even though it was a foregone conclusion that Derek Carr would be the starting QB for the Raiders at some point during the season, I must say I am a bit shocked it came this early. We know Matt Schaub's very existence is built around throwing passes to the opposing team, but are we supposed to believe that Carr is ready at this point to take over?

Regardless of how it should be done, he is going to be the starter, and he will join fellow rookies Jamarcus Russell, Matt McGloin, and Terrelle Pryor as Starting Rookie QBs. Those situations havent exactly worked out in anyone's favor.

Dont get me wrong, the hobby is loving this news:

2014 Topps Inception Derek Carr Nike Logo Auto 1/1

2014 Elite Derek Carr On Card Auto RC

2013 Exquisite Derek Carr Auto XRC

2014 Topps Derek Carr Auto Variation RC

Considering the state of the franchise, and how unstable their offense seems to be, I cant understand why they are so eager to start the Carr (buh dum dum). Maybe they feel there is nothing left to lose, and its better to see what you have early rather than later – right Blaine Gabbert? I spoke earlier on prospects for each of the QBs, and Carr was easily the fourth guy on the list. Since then, he has jumped almost to number 2 overnight, but the opening weekend value bump for all football cards may have diluted the true jump.

Carr clearly had a great preseason, but it WAS pre-season, and the hobby is treating it like it was a playoff game. Although there isnt many people who will deny how much talent he has, I think there are a lot of people who will stand by the fact that he hasnt really shown anything to say he is ready to start week one.

Actually, maybe its the fact that Matt Schaub showed even less why he should start week one, thus leading the Raiders to make a tough choice. No doubt about it, I had the same reaction when Russell Wilson started for the Seahawks after a tremendous preseason campaign, and we all know how that worked out.

Before you go and drop hundreds of dollars on Carr, remember that the ship has already sailed. Its too late, and we all missed our chance. That’s not saying there wont be value to be had in the future, but I dont think that is going to come before other players break out, including those who will be worth a larger investment.

As long as you keep comparative value in mind, you should be fine. Think about it – if he does have a tremendous year, where does that put the cards you are buying now? Think Russell Wilson who came in with no hype, it will be a much more worthwhile comparison. Comparing value on someone like Carr vs Andrew Luck is tougher, there was much more hype around the number one pick (and top rated prospect in 20 years). If you are about to pay higher than that, think twice.

One thought on “Hobby Rejoices: Derek Carr Named Raiders Starter

  1. Coming off of 2013, I think the hobby is starving to put $$$ into the “next Luck.” None of the QBs drafted this year are anywhere near what Luck was as a prospect but this hobby is built on gamblers taking longshots.

    The smaller guys (Manziel, Teddy) are hard to imagine as top 5 QBs in the league. That leaves Carr & Bortles. I think Bortles is the better long term prospect (kind of obvious since he was drafted 33 picks ahead of Carr) but he’s playing in a city where hobby value goes to die and the Jags are wisely holding him back for now.

    By default, Carr is the winner right now and there are a lot of collectors with pent up $$$ ready to throw at him.

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