Could Raiders QB Derek Carr be a sleeper MVP candidate?
Over the last two years, Derek Carr has firmly established himself as one of the top-15 quarterbacks in the NFL. But is this the year he takes a leap and becomes a legitimate MVP candidate?
In a recent article by Matt Lombardo of Heavy.com, he spoke with an anonymous offensive starter for an NFC West team about Carr and his chances of being the league MVP. Here is what he had to say about the starting quarterback of the Raiders:
“I’d say Derek Carr is a sleeper MVP candidate. He’s gotten the most improved weapons around him, but they also added a better coordinator, the best wide receiver in the game, an improved defense, and that’s all in addition to guys he already head, like Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
He knows how to win big games, and the help around him, I think, will help propel him into an MVP.”
Carr did set a career-high in passing yards last season, but he’ll need to throw a lot more touchdowns in order to win the MVP award. Over the last four seasons, the MVP winner has scored an average of 46.5 touchdowns. The most Carr has ever had in a single season was 32 (2015).
During the 2021 season, Carr threw 23 touchdowns. That number would need to double (at least) in order for him to be in the MVP conversation. But with the added weapons, don’t be surprised if he does set a career-high in touchdowns this season.
But in order for Carr to truly be an MVP candidate, the Raiders need to be among the best teams in football. Over the last nine years, the team of the MVP has finished as the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the conference. Basically, the team needs to have a ton of success in order for Carr to win the MVP award.
Can Carr do it? Sure. But will he? That remains to be seen. But everything is set up nicely for Carr to have the best season of his career.
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