NFL quarterback power rankings: AFC West edition

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs won the game 31-20. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

2. Oakland Raiders

Derek Carr 2019 – 4,054 yards, 23 Total TD, 8 Int

After a 3-13 rookie season in 2014, Derek Carr had a breakout year in 2015. Then, in 2016, he had the Raiders looking like legitimate contenders. He also looked like a real MVP candidate.

Unfortunately, Carr sustained a leg injury late in the 2016 season, which ended his year before the playoffs.

Since then, Carr and the Raiders have regressed. He has not thrown for 30+ touchdowns in a season since 2015, and the Raiders haven’t had a winning season since 2016.

Carr isn’t suddenly bad. Since his career-worst 2017 season, he has increased his completion percentage and quarterback rating each of the past two years.

Last year, Carr did have a good season. He threw for a career-high in passing yards (4,054) and posted the highest completion percentage (70.4) of his career.

But, Carr’s touchdown numbers have been low. In the last three seasons, his highest total is 22. Yes, part of that has to do with other factors other than himself. However, he seems to be idling in the same position right now.

Carr will have more talent around him this season, which may get him back knocking on the door of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Until then, he is the second-best quarterback in this division, which should come as a compliment considering how unbelievable the top-ranked gunslinger is.

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