Derek Carr was a top 10 QB in 2023
The last 6 games DC has the 2nd best QBR in the league, They were also in that time one of the best RZ teams
Let's look at who we played those last 6 games.
Vs Detroit (33-28 Loss)
Carr was 17-22 226 yards 1 TD, 1 INT
Vs Carolina (28-6 Win)
Carr was 18-26 119 yards 2 TDs, 1 INT
Vs NYG( 24-6 Win)
Carr was 23-28 218 yards 3 TD
Vs LA Rams (30-22 Loss)
Carr was 27-40 319 yards 3 TDs, 1 INT
Vs Bucs (23-13 Win)
Carr was 24-32 197 yards 2 TDs
Vs Falcons (48-17 Win)
Carr was 22-28 264 yards 4 TDs
So looking at the numbers and seeing who they were against really paints a more accurate picture than everyone just repeating the line that he was a top 5 QB for the last 6 games.
Was he better? Sure. But we were also playing the easiest remaining SOS for those final 6 games.
Link
After they play the Lions in Week 13, they face the two worst teams in the NFL in back-to-back weeks (Giants and Panthers) before closing the season with three teams fighting for playoff spots but that rank #20 or worse (Rams, Bucs, Falcons).
On the season, the Saints are 4-1 vs. bottom-10 teams and are 1-5 vs. teams ranking outside the bottom-10 teams.
And we aren’t even talking about elite teams. The Saints have played the NFL’s #4 easiest schedule so far this year. They’ve played just one top-10 team this year (and lost).
The Saints should notch a couple more wins through Week 15 but then must use that springboard to a winning streak vs. more competitive teams to close the season or Derek Carr will once again find himself on his couch watching the playoffs.
And that would mean 10 years in the NFL for Carr without a single playoff win to his name.
Context matters. Derek Carr didn't just start playing better, the teams he was facing, later in the year, were bottle of the league. Do I hope he can build on that and look improved next season? Ofcourse. Do I see any reason to be optimistic for that outcome? Hell no.
Derek Carr is who he is and sadly, he fits this team like a glove, for where it is today. Hopefully we won't be stuck in this place for long.