3 factors that are driving Derek Carr’s regression in 2017
Todd Downing
The first obvious factor is offensive coordinator Todd Downing. While Downing was Carr’s preference at the position, it is clear that he doesn’t need a players’ coach as his play caller, especially a first-time play caller. Downing doesn’t use Carr’s abilities often enough. An abundance of hitch and curl routes being called isn’t going to get the maximum use out of him.
Almost every time the offense faces a third and long, Carr will throw it short of the sticks. There are some instances when he does go for the short pass, he leaves a better look at a potential deep pass. Is Carr getting gun shy in these situations? It is possible, but it could also be that Downing makes that short route receiver the hot/primary read.
BIG NOTE: #Raiders QB Derek Carr completed a pass 48.1% of the time and threw 0 INTs when pressured on 3rd downs last season. On such dropbacks this season, Carr has completed a pass just 34.14% of the time and logged 3 INTs.
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) December 11, 2017
Typically those routes are always going to be there for a quarterback to throw because the defense will let you have that little gain, especially when it is a third and long. Blame should be shared between Downing and Carr for those type of plays. If Carr is the reason those short routes are being targeted, then Downing should be relaying to him that there are better options.
We hardly see plays where Carr has to use his legs like rolling out of a bootleg. Carr can be mobile if he has to, we just haven’t seen it enough. Perhaps that is because last season he was spoiled with a flawless pass protection. Which brings up the second factor, the offensive line.