Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been a polarizing subject for fans, writers, and the media in general. Nevertheless, the signal-caller has consistently put up noteworthy numbers throughout his career. In fact, former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson believes ‘4’ is an elite quarterback.
Carr has arguably been the best Raiders quarterback of the last 20 years. The only exception being Rich Gannon’s run in the early 2000s. Despite the numbers, the signal-caller has been a lightning rod for heated debates among both fans and the media alike. In 2016, he was an MVP candidate as the Silver and Black returned to the playoffs for the first time since their ill-fated Super Bowl XXXVII loss. The problem with Carr’s run is the win-loss record, however, at least one media personality believes that’s not his fault.
I like Derek Carr, but that’s just me…
Johnson, Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler, defended Carr recently on ESPN’s First Take. When listing the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks, Johnson added Carr to a list topped by Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. When addressing the lack of success for Carr, Johnson pointed out the constant changes around him.
‘I like Derek Carr, but that’s just me… I’ve been saying that since Day 1. Four years ago, he was an MVP candidate. [Then] Jon Gruden came in and changed everything, and he hasn’t missed a beat. They not losing because of him, they losing because of the damn defense. I don’t care what people think, I like him.’
Funny enough, when Stephen A. Smith reminded Johnson that they were on national TV, Johnson didn’t back down from his statement. The former wide receiver added that the best pass catcher (other than Darren Waller) that Carr’s played with was Amari Cooper, who’s been gone for three years. In the end, Carr’s play will speak for itself but it should be refreshing for Raider Nation to see their quarterback get some love on a national platform.
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*Top Photo: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports