Training camp preview: Raiders’ Derek Carr says ‘we have unfinished business’

The Oakland Raiders are eager to begin training camp, which starts Friday in Napa.

Who can blame them after last year’s 6-10 debacle?

“Last season we did not make it to the playoffs,” says quarterback Derek Carr. “That was incredibly disappointing. That fed me more desire to work and improve and win championships.

“We have unfinished business. Going into training camp my focus is to work hard and improve each and every day.”

Last season started with Oakland among the Super Bowl favorites on the heels of a successful season, but that all went away in a heartbeat after a 2-0 start. First-year offensive coordinator Todd Downing and Jack Del Rio, who had been the head coach since 2015, were let go.

Davis brought back Jon Gruden to be the head coach in January.

The Raiders rookies reported to camp Monday, while the veterans check in Thursday at the Napa Valley Marriott.

“It’s been one of the most fun offseason I’ve had,” Carr said. “Just talking with our head coach every day and learning from him. I think that’s what I’m most excited about.”

In Gruden’s first go-round with the Raiders he went 38-26 with two postseason appearances in 2000 and ’01.

The Raiders will look considerably different than last season.

Notable players gone: kicker Sebastian Janikowsi, wide receivers Michael Crabtree (free agency), Corrdarrelle Patterson (trade) long snapper Jon Condo, cornerback TJ Carrie and fullback Jamize Olawale.

But the Raiders were busy in free agency signing wide receiver Jordy Nelson, running back Doug Martin, tight end Derek Carrier, fullback Keith Smith, safety Marcus Gilchrist, linebacker Tahir Whitehead, cornerback Rashaan Melvin, defensive end Tank Carradine, cornerback Shareece Wright, linebacker Emmanuel Lamur, tackle Breno Giacomin and cornerback Leon Hall.

The Raiders also traded for receivers Martavis Bryant and Ryan Switzer in separate deals.

It is a complete overhaul for the Raiders who added more weapons for Carr, who’s enjoying his time with Nelson and Bryant: “It is so exciting to see how hard they work and how they have become integral members of the organization.”

This story was originally published July 23, 2018 at 1:04 PM with the headline "Training camp preview: Raiders’ Derek Carr says ‘we have unfinished business’."