Derek Carr is having the best statistical season of his career. While the sheer volume stats might not necessarily show that, his efficiency does. Earlier this week, we wrote about how Carr was dominating on third down this season. He’s averaging nearly 10 yards per attempt and his passer rating is nearly 113.
Today, we are to look at Carr’s effectiveness against the blitz this season. In the past, Carr has been solid against the blitz. But over the last two seasons, he has improved dramatically. According to SportRadar.com, Carr has a passer rating of 125 against blitzes since 2019. He’s averaging nearly 10 yards per attempt and has an 18-3 touchdown to interception ratio.
In 2020, Carr ranks among the league’s best quarterbacks against blitzes, according to ESPN. Here is what the site had to say about Carr and his ability to beat pressure this season:
“Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has a 94 QBR against the blitz this season, which ranks second behind Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes (98). The Chiefs have blitzed on 34% of opposing QB dropbacks this season, the seventh-highest rate in the NFL.”
With the Raiders having more playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, Carr now feels comfortable getting rid of the ball quickly and allowing his weapons to do the work. That will be important on Sunday night as the Chiefs blitz a ton, as mentioned by ESPN.
If the Raiders can handle the extra pressure from the Chiefs defense, they should have no problem keeping up on offense. They have one of the league’s best and most balanced offenses in the NFL and with Carr playing the best football of his life, this should be an old-fashion shootout in the desert.
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