Yes, Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr is a legitimate MVP candidate

Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders QB Derek Carr
Derek Carr is putting up incredible numbers in 2020 Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Yes, Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr is a legitimate MVP candidate

Looking at the Numbers

Since Gruden arrived, Carr has put up solid numbers every season, as he was one of two players to complete better than 70 percent of his passes last year. In addition, he set career-highs in passing yards and QBR, leading the Raiders to a three-win improvement over the year before.

In 2020, he has been off the charts, as he currently sits behind only Teddy Bridgewater in completion percentage, and is No. 7 in completions. In addition, he is No. 8 in passing yards, and No. 3 in rating, while posting a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 11-to-1.

For those at home who say he does not take shots downfield, Carr has five plays of 40-plus yards, and on Sunday against Kansas City, he had two touchdown passes of 50-or-more yards. He is playing smart, controlling the ball, and now that he has his deep threat back in Henry Ruggs III, he is taking more shots down the field.

Finally, one number that is not in the stat sheet is the No. 1, and that is how many wins he has on the road against the Chiefs this season. That is the kind of statement game that wins a player a Most Valuable Player award before all is said and done, and he already has that notch on his belt.