Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints must make Derek Carr feel uneasy in the 'Big Easy'

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

One of the biggest keys this Sunday for the New Orleans Saints will be keeping Derek Carr in check this Sunday. Carr is one of the reasons that Oakland will be vying for the AFC West division title this year. The Saints will need to slow down this very potent offense.

These are some impressive numbers for Derek Carr in 2015:

Tied for 8th in passing touchdowns with Drew Brees with a total of 32.

Ranked 13th in total passing yards.

Improvement from 76.1 passer rating to 91.1 from 2014 to 2015.

Derek Carr is no doubt finding his way in his third season as an NFL quarterback. Furthermore, the Raiders have improved significantly from a 3-13 record in 2014 to a 7-9 record last year. The Silver and Black are no joke no more.

Carr has some serious weapons at his disposal as well. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree had one of his best years with 85 catches for 922 yards and 9 touchdowns. Additionally, Amari Cooper added 72 grabs and 1,070 yards with 6 touchdowns. The Saints secondary will have its hands full with just shutting down these two receivers.

The Raiders also had a nice year from running back Latavius Murray. Murray had 1,066 yards with a solid 4.0 average per rush. Don’t be suprised to see rookie running back DeAndre Washington as well, for a change of pace. Carr has plenty of weapons to work with in 2016.

In his third year Carr’s familiarity is evident:

I can just see things faster. The game has slowed down a lot and that’s the biggest thing. Once you’re just out there playing football and you’re not swimming mentally, that’s the biggest thing. Now, again, I’m only in my third year so I have a ways to go. But, the fact that it’s slowed down already helps me out a lot.

The secondary will be tested early in this regular season. Carr is young and ready to take that next step in his career. Pressure will be needed often and consistently to throw off Carr’s rhythm. If Who Dat Nation can bring the extra decibels, then the Saints will have a chance.