Raiders: Is Derek Carr really the worst Quarterback in the AFC West?
The Comparison
In the 2021 season, Derek Carr had one of the best seasons of his career. While getting the Raiders back to the playoffs, he recorded career highs in passing yards and attempts. Perhaps most impressive was the way he recorded those numbers. After the resignation of head coach Jon Gruden, he lost his play-caller. Replaced by offensive coordinator Greg Olson, the play-calling suffered. Then he lost his number one receiver Henry Ruggs while also playing without star tight end Darren Waller for much of the season.
Conversely, former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had one of the worst seasons of his career. With 3,113 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, he posted some fairly pedestrian numbers while also failing to help lead his team to the playoffs. Of course, he did miss three games in 2021. This also came in Seattle where they have two of the NFL’s best WRs in Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf.
Going forward in 2022, both quarterbacks will be entering a new offense. For Carr, this is nothing new. With a revolving door of play callers such as Bill Musgrave, Todd Downing, and Jon Gruden, Carr has proven to be exceptional at adapting to offensive change. For Wilson, this could prove much more difficult.