Raiders’ Chris Carr a fearless contributor

By Anthony Carroll  |   Thursday, July 20, 2006  |  Comments( 20 )

Oakland Raiders
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
If the viewing of 16 Oakland Raiders matchups was a part of your 2005 agenda, chances are you have become acquainted with return specialist, Chris Carr.

Nicknamed the self-proclaimed title "fast car," the Boise State alumnus returned 107 balls for the Silver and Black as a rookie.

Those 107 returns seemingly netted Carr just 107 seconds of televised air time.

Running at full speed, head forward, Carr frequently disappeared into the mass of mixed jerseys ahead, only to appear 24 yards further from where the ball was fielded. As one of the few spots of excitement on Oakland's disappointing 2005 roster, Carr seemingly appeared out of nowhere early in the season, taking on both kickoff and punt return duties for a complete 16-game set.

At season's end, the rookie defensive back was the primary contributor to a special teams unit that ranked in the top-third of the NFL in average kick return yardage. With Carr omitted from the equation in 2004, the Raiders ranked an abysmal 25th in the NFL in the category, averaging just over 20 yards per return. Additionally, on the year, Oakland's 1,832 kick return yards was good for the league's third-highest niche. Accounting for 1,752 of those yards was 23-year-old Carr, who handled 72 of the teams 80 regular season reps.

Sitting back on punts, 5-10, 180-pound Carr was equally as gallant. The undrafted rookie was the last NFL return man to raise his hand with the ball still in the air, waiting all the way until Week Eight to call for a fair catch. Sans a disastrous botched return in the team's Week Two 17-23 loss against Kansas City, Carr was able to shed his inexperienced, rookie label fairly early in the season.

In all, Carr finished the regular season with 73 kickoff returns for 1,752 yards, with two returns over the 40-yard mark and a long of 63. On punts, his output was expectedly lower, handling 34 returns for 186 yards and a long of 34. Most noteworthy, however, was the first-year player's total of just two lost fumbles, despite handling 107 balls from a relatively challenging position.

Heading into his second season with the Oakland Raiders, the Boise State standout will likely play an identical role in 2005--full-time special teamer, part-time defensive back.

And if the viewing of 16 Oakland Raiders matchups is a part of your 2006 agenda, chances are you will see Chris Carr become acquainted with the opposition's endzone.

Have a question or comment for Anthony Carroll? Visit RaidersLive.com for a chance to enter Anthony Carroll's Friday Mailbag - Get more on the Oakland Raiders at Realfootball365.com

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (20)

About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report
CommentsComments: 20  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
JOSH MENDOZA		12:01 PM
07/20/2006
I REALLY DONT CARE FOR THE KID I CANT EVEN WATCH WHEN HES IN BECAUSE IM NOT SURE IF HES GOING TO MUFF THE BALL OR GET KILLED...
No.2
Jeff		12:21 PM
07/20/2006
I think Carr did an outstanding job considering he was an undrafted rookie. While not as flashy as P Buch, he was consistent and...
No.3
Kyle Jensen		12:27 PM
07/20/2006
I really dont think you know what you're talking about. Carr has improved where our offense starts! He is one hell of an athlete...
Team News  |  View All Raiders Content
Oakland Raiders:  Is Nnamdi...
The Raiders have a lot of key free agents to sign. Guys like Zach Mil...
11 months, 3 weeks ago   |   Oakland Raiders:  Is Nnamdi Asomugha really done as a Raider? ( 15 )
Meanwhile… Back at the Asylu...
As many expected, the Oakland Raiders named offensive coordinator Hue...
1 year ago   |   Meanwhile… Back at the Asylum ( 1 )
The Oakland Comet Rides Agai...
The NFL post-season is underway, with a wild, wild, wildcard weekend i...
1 year, 1 month ago   |   The Oakland Comet Rides Again! ( 0 )
Eight and Eight Doesn’t Beat...
Note: This article was written prior to the news about Tom Cable being...
1 year, 1 month ago   |   Eight and Eight Doesn’t Beat Seven and Nine ( 3 )
Banner Day in Raider Nation
When you have a 24-hour period involving the Raiders sweeping one divi...
1 year, 2 months ago   |   Banner Day in Raider Nation ( 1 )