Rich Gannon played under Jon Gruden as a member of the Oakland Raiders for three seasons before becoming the NFL MVP in 2002.
With Gruden a near shoe-in to return to Oakland, Gannon believes “Chucky” can coach Derek Carr to similar results.
“I think (Carr) should be thrilled that he’s gonna get an opportunity to work with what I think is the best person in the business when it comes to calling plays and preparing a quarterback to play that position,” Gannon told The Mercury News. “I’m really excited for him and I hope he’ll take advantage of the opportunity and embrace it.”
Reports have suggested Gannon could join Gruden’s staff in Oakland as the quarterbacks coach. When asked about how to work with Carr, Gannon sounded as if he was already on the job.
SIGN UP to watch every NFL playoff game and the Super Bowl on DAZN
“I would start with the lower half of his body,” Gannon said. “I don’t think there’s any question he’s got really great arm talent, but he gets lazy with his feet at times, he doesn’t push away through center, he gets lazy when he’s in the gun sometimes.”
Gannon also suggested the team could get more out of Carr’s athleticism without turning him into “a guy that’s running all over the yard.”
Neither Gruden or Gannon are officially a part of the Raiders’ staff, but if it were to happen, Gannon said it’s up to Carr to make the most out of his opportunity to return to his 2016 form.
“Look, I’d be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and I’d have at least one Super Bowl, maybe more, if Jon never left Oakland. I wish that never happened,” he said. “But I’m just saying I realized when I was with Jon that there were great things in store and it was a special, unique opportunity for me. I embraced the opportunity. I took advantage of the opportunity. I hope Derek will do the same.”