Marcel Reece: First Game Vs. Raiders Will Be ‘Everything’ To Derek Carr

The Las Vegas Raiders have a number of intriguing matchups ahead of them during the 2024 regular season. But one that stands out above most is their Week 17 contest against the New Orleans Saints, their first meeting with former quarterback Derek Carr.

Carr, of course, spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Raiders becoming arguably the best quarterback in franchise history. Carr is far and away the franchise leader in passing yards and touchdowns, but the Raiders chose to move on in 2022.

One of Carr’s former teammates on the Raiders, fullback Marcel Reece, believes this will be a game that Carr has circled on his calendar, via Austin Boyd of Heavy.com:

“That game’s going to be everything to DC,” Reece said on the May 14 episode of “Up and Adams.” “And mark my words now – and the reel will be up – Derek Carr, the entire week, is going to say that it’s just another game to him. It’s just another game to him. And he’s not going to say anything else.”

It is normal for players in Carr’s position to say the game is just like any other, but it is rarely the case, and Reece understands that. But the former Raider also noted that it will be important for Carr to control his emotions for the contest:

“You don’t want to get too emotional before the game,” Reece said. “But once that game starts, you are going to see DC hollering and screaming and getting his team up. And that’s going to be a fun game to watch because Davante Adams is going to be up for that game, too. And you know they’re best friends, and they both are going to want bragging rights for that game. So, that’s going to be a fun game to watch.”

It is a great point made by Reece that facing off with his good friend will also be a fun moment for Davante Adams. Additionally, the fact that the game takes place in Week 17 means it could have major playoff implications for both sides so everything is shaping up for this game between the Raiders and Saints to be one of the most emotionally charged games of the season.

Saints QB Derek Carr excited for first matchup against former Raiders teammate Maxx Crosby

Derek Carr has already spoken about the matchup with his former team and the Saints quarterback is looking forward, in particular, to seeing his former teammate Maxx Crosby who will be looking to put the quarterback into the ground once Week 17 comes around.

Carr said he can’t wait to face Crosby and even joked that he might try and start a fight with the Raiders defensive star to hopefully get him ejected from the game. Even though the two are friends Carr knows Crosby won’t be taking it easy on him when the Saints and Raiders face off.