Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has been one of the most reliable and clutch players in recent memory. However, Pro Football Focus recently disputed this notion with regard to Carr playing under pressure.
Carr has been one of the most polarizing NFL players in quite some time. It seems everyone, from Raiders fans, media outlets, and writers have a different opinion of the signal-caller. However, Carr has delivered countless come-from-behind victories throughout his career and, last season, led his team back to the playoffs. Be that as it may, PFF took a look at how Carr performed under pressure as opposed to how he does when he has a clean pocket.
Derek Carr came in sixth according to PFF
The publication examined how NFL quarterbacks performed under pressure versus in a clean pocket. The difference is notable, according to PFF. Let’s keep in mind that the Raiders struggled to field a reliable offensive line last season. Marred by injuries and struggles by Alex Leatherwood and Andre James early on, the unit didn’t begin gelling till late in the year. Regardless, Carr came in sixth, which put him in between Jameis Winston and Lamar Jackson.
“Carr handled the third-most pressured dropbacks (239) and pressured attempts (186) in 2021, completing 100 (second-most) of them. He tallied five touchdowns and a group-topping nine interceptions in those situations. He also led the group with 19 turnover-worthy plays.”
As far as grades go, Carr accumulated an 89.8 grade in a clean pocket. A stark difference from 47.4 when he was being pressured. PFF grades are often the subject of heated debates among NFL fans. That is especially for Raiders fans, who lately have noticed their team has been on the receiving end of some questionable analysis. What are your thoughts, Raider Nation?
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*Top Photo: Sports Illustrated