The Oakland Raiders were hoping quarterback Derek Carr would take a big step forward in his second season and through four games this year he has done exactly that. What especially stands out about Carr early this season is his improved performance against the blitz.
Carr completed just 33.6 percent of his passes when under pressure last year while throwing one touchdown against eight interceptions. However, this season he has completed 7-of-13 passes (54 percent) for 146 yards and one touchdown when being rushed by five or more defenders. His 11.2 yards per attempt on such throws is the top mark in the league.
The Denver Broncos will hope to replicate Carr's rookie year numbers this Sunday when they come to Oakland. Denver boasts arguably the league's best defense and certainly one of its most aggressive. The Broncos send extra rushers on 37 percent of opponents' dropbacks, fifth highest rate in the NFL, according to ESPN's Bill Williamson. Through the first quarter of the season, Carr has been pressured on just 13.4 percent of his throws. It's the second-lowest rate in the NFL behind Eli Manning and the New York Giants.
The Oakland offensive line has done a phenomenal job of keeping Carr upright. He's been sacked just five times and hit only 15 times, both marks in the top five. When blitzed in 2015, Carr has posted a quality 69 QBR compared to last year's mark of 38.
Sunday will be a true test of whether or not Carr has really improve against the blitz.
