The Oakland Raiders loaded up on weapons for Derek Carr in 2019, and it could be one of his biggest season statistically in his six-year NFL career.
The Oakland Raiders made the obvious choice to stick with Derek Carr as their quarterback in 2019, after many rumors that they would be headed in a new direction. As he enters another year as the starter in Oakland, Carr is on the brink of rewriting the Raiders record book, and we take a look at whether or not he will throw for 35 or more touchdowns in 2019.
The most touchdown passes Carr has ever thrown in a season was 32, which he did in his second season in the NFL. That season began a string of three straight Pro Bowl nods for the Raiders signal-caller, but in 2019, he could be in for his best statistical season as a pro during his six seasons under center.
Carr was given the keys to the car right away, starting as a rookie during the 2014 NFL season. Since then, he has rocketed up the Raiders record book, and is currently the Raiders all-time leader in completions and attempts. With a solid 2019 campaign, he could become the all-time leader in yards, and touchdown passes as well.
In order to pass Ken Stabler for No. 1 all-time in touchdown passes, however, Carr will have to throw for 29 touchdowns in 2019. He is only 339 yards away from him in passing yards, so that one should be no problem, but Carr has thrown for 28 or more touchdowns only twice in his career.
What makes the 2019 season so different is that it is only the second time in his career that he has entered a season with the same offensive playbook. In addition, the Raiders went out and got some elite talent in the passing game, including wide receiver Antonio Brown, who may be the best overall wideout in the league.
Over the last six seasons, Brown has at least 100 catches, and 1,000 yards, while hauling in nearly 10 touchdowns on average per year.
Outside of Brown, the Raiders also added J.J. Nelson, Tyrell Williams, and Hunter Renfrow to name a few, while bolstering their offensive line, and adding a quality feature back in rookie Josh Jacobs.
Over/Under 35 touchdown passes for Derek Carr: Over
The most touchdowns ever thrown by a Raiders quarterback in a season was 34, set by the “Mad Bomber,” Daryle Lamonica back in 1969. In fact, Lamonica has two of the only three 30-plus TD pass seasons in NFL history, and Carr going for 35 would be the Raiders new single-season record.
Not only do I feel Carr will get to 35, but he will inch closer to 40, as the Raiders have the weapons for him to have a career-year in 2019. Remember, the last time he entered a season with the same offensive playbook he nearly won an MVP, and his skill players are much better than they were in 2016.