NFL playoffs: 5 reasons the Oakland Raiders will make it
By Dani Bostick
3. Derek Carr
After doing the Browns shuffle at the quarterback position, it seems the Raiders have finally found their man in Derek Carr. Before his arrival, they suffered through Terrelle Pryor, Carson Palmer, Jason Campbell, JaMarcus Russell, Josh McCown, Andrew Walter, Kerry Collins, and Rick Mirer.
The Raiders 2014 second-round draft pick, Carr has thrived under quarterbacks coach Todd Downing, whose experience includes working with Matt Stafford with the Detroit Lions from 2011-2013. In 2011, Stafford had his second-best season throwing for 5,038 with 41 touchdowns and only 16 interceptions.
While Carr is not on pace to match Stafford’s 2011 performance, he has had an excellent year, currently ranked sixth in the NFL for overall passer rating, behind only New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, and Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
So far this season, Carr has thrown for 2,895 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. His offensive line has only allowed 12 sacks. In sum, Carr is reliable, consistent, and well-protected. Both the Broncos and the Chiefs have menacing defenses, but at this point Carr has the experience, and trust of his teammates, to hold his own.
He doesn’t just have experience and trust, however. Carr also has Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
Next: 2. Cooper & Crabtree