Before the Oakland Raiders hit the practice field Wednesday afternoon to begin their on-field preparation for their Week 15 matchup with the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Derek Carr held his weekly press conference.
Here's what we learned from his time behind the podium.
Carr talked about playing Santa Claus for his offensive linemen, buying them all flat screen televisions.
"I don't know what you're talking about. (laughing) Those were just from… They deserve it, man. They don't get any credit for anything, so they just deserve those kinds of things just to let them know that someone is thinking about them."
He also spoke about what happened at halftime in Denver to help propel the Raiders to a win.
"You're looking at the first half as just like we didn't play well. It just comes down to that. We didn't do what we're capable of. Myself, I didn't do what I was capable of. When that happens, I just get mad at myself and I just get – I don't know what the word is – I just can't wait to get back out there really and just get the ball back in my hands."
Carr is still amazed by defensive end Khalil Mack's five-sack performance against the Broncos.
"I couldn't believe it. That was unbelievable to me. That's like unheard of. They caught me saying some things. I mess with him a lot, too, about being picked ahead of me. Still a little bitter about that, but I see why. (laughing) He had a career day, one of the best days this franchise has ever seen. I've said it all along, I think he's one of the best players in this league and he obviously showed it."
He shared his thoughts about the Packers defense.
"They are household names and you see why when you turn the tape on. They are so talented. We say that every week because it's the NFL, but they are. They have speed. They've got size. They're physical up front. They can run and cover ground. Those big guys can move really well. We have our work cut out for us, but like you said, there's no rest in this league."
It feels good to be playing meaningful football in December. "This is why I compete. This is why all of us compete. Last year was really hard for me, because sitting at 0-10 going into those last weeks, you know you're not going to the playoffs and all those kinds of things, and that was really hard for me just personally to deal with.
Whereas now, I love competition, I love competing against the best, I love when it matters and all those kinds of things. Every game matters in this league, but now we have a chance to do things."
