Behind the numbers: Derek Carr breaks Ken Stabler’s all-time TD record

Behind the numbers: Derek Carr breaks Ken Stabler’s all-time TD record

Comparing Ken Stabler’s numbers to Derek Carr’s

As previously mentioned, it took Derek Carr just over six seasons to break Ken Stabler’s record, which he set in seven full seasons as a starter. Stabler was drafted in the second round in 1970, but sat behind Daryle Lamonica for three seasons until 1973. After winning the starting job in ’73, Stabler held the role for seven seasons and threw 145 touchdowns in 94 starts during that span.

Stabler threw all those touchdowns while throwing for over 3,000 yards just once, which shows how dangerous Snake was in his limited opportunities. The former Alabama QB had more than 400 attempts just twice in his career with the Raiders, partially due to the 14-game season which was in place until 1978, and the style of play in that era which was much more run heavy.

In comparison, Carr’s fewest attempts in a season is 513 from the 2019 season and in nearly every other year he has been comfortably above 500.

When Stabler was finally asked to let it loose in in 1979 he responded with 3,600 yards and 26 touchdowns, but also threw 22 interceptions which underlined his gunslinger reputation. Carr has thrown for more than 3,600 yards 4 times in his career and is on track to do so again in 2020 but has never thrown more than 13 interceptions.

However, some Raiders fans wish Carr took more chances down the field and as a result would throw more interceptions.

Stabler actually lead the NFL in passing touchdowns twice in his career, and had two other seasons in the top-5, all with the Raiders. Carr on the other hand has just two seasons in the top 10, but the numbers in that statistic have gotten so inflated in recent years. Given the era of football that Stabler played in it is remarkable that he was able to throw for 150 touchdowns in such a short span and it is a true testament to his incredible talent.

Next up let’s take a look at who Derek Carr threw all those touchdowns to.