3 factors that are driving Derek Carr’s regression in 2017

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders is seen on the sideline during the fourth quarter of his NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 21-14. (Photo by Stephen Lam/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders is seen on the sideline during the fourth quarter of his NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 21-14. (Photo by Stephen Lam/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to avoid a hit by defensive end Shelby Harris No. 96 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to avoid a hit by defensive end Shelby Harris No. 96 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Offensive Line

The offensive line hasn’t been doing too many favors for Carr. Early in the season Carr was already facing a lot of pressure, more than he faced last season. Against the Chiefs at Arrowhead, Carr was already sacked on the third play of the game. They haven’t kept the pocket clean enough which is why it led to Carr suffering a transverse process fracture in his back in Week 4.

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Many of the players on this Raiders offensive are either coming off career years in 2016, been well-compensated financially or late, or in some cases, both.

The talent is still there, but Raider Nation has been left largely disappointed by what they’ve seen out of their front-five for most of the season.

Injuries

The injuries are the third and final factor. While he won’t admit it, Carr’s back has to have a little effect on him physically and especially mentally.

From the broken leg last season to the back this season, all that stems from the offensive line allowing Carr to get sacked. Which is why Carr panics in the face of pressure. You can see it when the pocket collapses how he starts to get nervous, where last season he was poised and calm.

Next: 5 takeaways from Raiders' loss to Chiefs in Week 14

This also explains why he gets the ball out of his hand so quickly from the snap. He doesn’t trust the offensive line anymore and with all the pressure he’s faced this season compared to last I can’t blame him. This season can be viewed as a mulligan for Carr. The season is pretty much over at this point, so all that matters now is his health and the hope of him bouncing back next season.

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