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Las Vegas Raiders: 3 areas that explain Derek Carr’s hot start

By Jordan Alexis

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 17: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Derek Carr #4 celebrate their first quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 17: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Derek Carr #4 celebrate their first quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders passes against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium on October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 areas that explain Derek Carr’s hot start

2. Managing pressure

Most quarterbacks can make plays from a clean pocket, but what separates great from the average is what they can do under pressure. Carr has been one of the better QBs under pressure the past few years, but the issues with the offensive line have only magnified his excellent play in these situations.

According to PFF, Carr has been sacked 17 times this season (tied for 8th most) and faced pressure 98 times (6th most), yet has the fifth-highest passing grade under pressure. The offensive line has been an issue all season long but is starting to come together, and Kolton Miller has once again been playing at an elite level.

Of course, the offensive line needs to improve, but Carr has this offense playing at its current level despite the troubles. Carr has shown that he can get the ball out quickly, can attack downfield, and is not afraid to stand in the pocket and take a big hit.

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