Quarterback Derek Carr
This Sunday, the Oakland Raiders will take the field at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum to faceoff against the Buffalo Bills. Under defensive-minded head coach Rex Ryan, the Bills have a stout front seven and have the eighth-best defense against the pass. They'll have their hands full though when they are forced to try and limit the Silver and Black's quarterback, Derek Carr.
Carr was back at the team's facility on Wednesday preparing for the game and prior to practice spoke with reporters about facing the Bills.
Here are the quick hits from his media session:
**The Raiders signal-caller commented on why the Bills are a tough team and what it will like to face them for the second time in his career.
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"They obviously are crazy talented, we all know that. We see the kind of players that they have. But, you have a better grasp of what they're trying to do with both Coach Ryan's [Head Coach Rex Ryan and Assistant Head Coach/Defense Rob Ryan], you could expect everything. You always get ready for everything. But, I definitely have a better grasp and that just comes with experience."
Carr shared his thoughts on going up against Rex Ryan and what he expects from the Bills head coach.
"I'm sure he may throw something like that just to be funny, I don't know. We'll see. But, he definitely brought it all at me, rightfully so. They ended up beating us that day, but I know he doesn't care too much about the Jets anymore and I don't care too much about that game anymore. (laughter) We're moving on, but I am looking forward to competing against him and his brother. I mean, they're two of the best coaches, mentally, that this game has. So, it's going to be fun, man. I always look forward to competing."
He talked about defensive end Khalil Mack's work ethic and what makes him such dominant force.
"He's not a guy that just comes out here, shows up and shows up on Sunday and says, 'Yeah, I'm just freakishly talented and I'm going to make all the plays.' Which, he very well could, but I think what separates him, and I think I've said it before, is his work ethic, the way he rushes the passer in practice. The way he chases down the run when it's away from him at practice and I think that that's something that speaks louder than him just saying things with his voice."
**Carr commended former Raiders linebacker Lorenzo Alexander for his success with the Bills.
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"You know, I'm not surprised at all. I've kept up with Lorenzo. We talk, I feel, like every week. It's been every week. We still talk because he's such a great guy. I mean, you guys know, you guys talked to him. He's a professional, he's a great person off the field and obviously I wish him the best besides this week. But, I'm not surprised because I know how hard he plays."
He discussed the team's growing mantra of, "By Any Means," and what it means to this young team.
"Hey, that's fine with me. By any means, whatever it takes to win, that's all that matters. You hear Khalil say it all the time, we hear it, like you said. I hear guys saying it all the time before he's even saying it, they're already running up saying it. They give him a hard time all the time saying it to him but, that's how you know it's stuck in their brain though. So, if at any moment they need to dig down deep and win by any means, they're going to give us everything they got, I'm good with that being our motto."
