The dominant play of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been exquisite, but it’s the performance of center Rodney Hudson that fuels it.
Most observers knew the Raiders were getting an anchor when they signed Hudson in 2015. Up to this point, the center has proven to be just that and has done so in incredible fashion with his play despite his quiet demeanor. Hudson has been a three-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders and was a second-team All-Pro in 2019.
Rodney Hudson hasn’t allowed a sack since Wk 17 of 2017.
That’s 42 straight games 🤯 pic.twitter.com/s1QZyXLKdv
— PFF (@PFF) November 25, 2020
Hudson’s sheer dominance of opposing defensive lines is so impressive that Pro Football Focus recently highlighted him. PFF reminded folks that the Pro Bowl center hasn’t surrendered a sack since Week 17 back in the 2017 season.
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Derek Carr passing in clean pocket:
â—¾ 17 TDs
◾ 0 INTs pic.twitter.com/g4bhhoRzr2— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 25, 2020
It’s that very dominance that’s helping Carr have one of his best seasons ever as an NFL quarterback. The play of Hudson and the rest of the offensive line coach Tom Cable oversees is giving Carr a clean pocket every week. In fact, PFF pointed out that Carr has thrown 17 touchdown passes this year in a clean pocket, and more importantly, hasn’t been sacked.
For the year, Carr has only been taken down 14 times in total, while getting averaging 2.5 seconds of pocket time. His accuracy has been lethal and is 81.8 percent in on-target throws this year. This level of offensive efficiency will give fits to anyone in the playoffs come January.
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*Top Photo: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images