As the Raiders prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, the spotlight will most definitely be on two of the best young quarterbacks in the game – Derek Carr and Teddy Bridgewater.
Separated by only four picks (Bridgewater 32nd, Carr 36th), and considered by many to be the top quarterbacks drafted in 2014 (some would include Blake Bortles), there’s no shortage of debate as to whether the better quarterback is in Oakland or Minnesota. But as it relates to Carr, there might be a more relevant debate – should the Raiders’ sophomore gunslinger be in the MVP discussion?
The idea isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Take a look at how Carr stacks up statistically to recent NFL MVPs.
Based on 8 games (admittedly a small sample), Carr is on pace to throw for 4,188 yards, 38 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Quarterbacks have won 7 of the last 8 MVP awards and their average season stat line was 4,529 yards, 40.5 touchdowns, and 8.7 interceptions. Aaron Rodgers was last year’s MVP with 4,381 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Only two quarterbacks have thrown more touchdowns than Carr this year (Brady and Palmer) and with 11 touchdowns in the past three weeks, Carr is trending in the right direction.
However the season plays out, the Raiders have every reason to believe they have a franchise quarterback, already on the brink of elite.
As for the player himself, Carr’s head seems to be as level as it was at this time last year when the Raiders were still looking for their first win of the season…
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