Is Derek Carr the NFL’s future elite quarterback?

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) signals before the snap in the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Is Derek Carr the Next Great QB? 

I know, numbers are only half of the equation, but they are an important half. The other half isn’t able to be determined by a calculation, it’s not something a player can learn. The other half is something certain people are born with, it’s engrained in their DNA. To be a leader. A strong, confident leader with the mental toughness to shoulder the burdens that come in defeat and in victory.

Last year, Derek Carr learned how to lose, he learned what it felt like to get beaten, and embarrassed. Through 10 straight losses he kept his head up, he kept smiling and he kept believing. You could see that spread to certain players in the locker room last year, and it even spread to coaches.

I am an observer, I notice mannerisms people have while they speak. Typically, a coach’s mannerisms will spread to his players, but last year, the coaches took on Carr’s mannerisms. The players who started to emulate Carr’s theme of working hard, and believing that the team will get better tend to be the ones who are still on the team.

The Raiders second-year signal caller is on the right path. He’s got the worth ethic, leadership skills, physical talents, smarts and attitude it takes to be an elite quarterback in this league; and he’s only getting better. With a little more experience, some stability at the coaching positions, Derek Carr will be on his way to finding his place at the top of the mountain as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.