No, it hasn't always been pretty, but the Oakland Raiders are very pleased with the progress quarterback Derek Carr has made in his second season. The 24-year-old signal-caller is on pace to set career highs in completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and QBR. While much of that has to do with the improved offensive talent around him (Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Clive Walford, etc.), it's clear that Carr has made strides himself.
Specifically, Carr is significantly better throwing deep this season compared to his rookie year. On the year he has completed 20-of-47 attempts for 698 yards with eight touchdowns and just two interceptions when throwing 20+ yards downfield. He's also been one of the best quarterbacks in the league when pressured. The young QB has tossed six scores against four picks and is gaining 7.4 yards per attempt when disrupted, according to Pro Football Focus. Overall, this has culminated in the Raiders ranking 12th in yards per game (362.7) and eighth in pass yards per game (266.3) and 13th in points (23.7).
Yes, I know Carr looked lost against the Kansas City Chiefs this past weekend. But ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson believes that was just a blip on the radar.
"Derek Carr will not throw more than three interceptions in the team's final four games," Williamson wrote. "Carr has been very good this season, but he imploded in Week 12 against Kansas City, tossing three picks in the fourth quarter as the Raiders saw a lead turn into a 14-point loss. Carr went into the quarter with just six interceptions all season. Expect for him to quickly revert to his previous form."
The NFL is a "what have you done for me lately?" type of league which puts Carr's poor performance at the forefront of everyone's memory. But the young QB has had an impressive season overall and looks to be developing into a franchise quarterback. Raiders fans shouldn't be too worried.
