Raiders: Why Derek Carr will make a legitimate run at his first MVP
By Preston Seyl
Can Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr make a push for MVP as he gets arguable the best receiver in the game? Offensive guru Josh McDaniels will help elevate his game to the next level.
After a strong 2020 year for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, posting his second-highest PFF grade of 84.7, he came back down in 2021 to an overall grade of 76.3. In 2021, Carr ranked 29th when throwing outside the numbers to his right over 20 plus yards, but ranked eighth between the number over 20 yards per PFF.
Carr will rise from that 29th ranking with the help of a deep threat in Davante Adams as he is not only a great route runner but the great deep ball threat that the Raiders were lacking last year. Carr excelled in the 10-19 yards per attempt, ranking second between the numbers, tenth outside the number left, and 11th outside the number right, mostly due to the strong play of slot wideout, Hunter Renfrow.
Carr was overall better between the numbers, especially with the crossing routes, posting his tied for highest targeted route and highest passer rating in 106.9. With the addition of Adams and the brains of Josh McDaniels, he will be able to spread the ball all over the field and improve his attempt percentage and passer rating outside the numbers.
Raiders’ offensive line has to be better for Derek Carr in 2022
Last season, the line regressed in a big way, as the right side was atrocious, and first-round pick Alex Leatherwood never got it going in Year 1. For the deep passing attack to work, Carr is going to need a lot more time, and it is clear the Raiders are turning over every stone to try and get the best unit in front of him for the 2022 season.
I believe the offensive line could be even better than expected this year and will show consistency and health throughout. This will allow Carr to scan the field longer, creating multiple mismatches across the board.
Josh Mcdaniels will unlock Carr’s full potential while spreading the ball out more efficiently to the trio of Darren Waller, Renfrow, and Adams. Adams will help in the third down situations with all three on the field due to the attention he will attract, as well.
Carr will have his best season as a pro in his first year under McDaniels, and while some believe he is the worst quarterback in the division, he is going to prove them wrong. We have seen him do a lot with much less in terms of the talent around him in his career, and in 2022, he eclipses the 5,000-yard mark and has 30-plus touchdowns.
Finally, if he can lead the Raiders to a division title in the best division in football, you have to think the MVP will be his to lose.