On the surface, deciphering whether Raiders quarterback Derek Carr or Philadelphia Eagles signal-caller Carson Wentz is the better player isn’t easy. It’s enough to make it seem as if the Raiders made a great deal by giving Carr a long-term extension two years ago, when taking into consideration that the Eagles gave Wentz a contract
With Carson Wentz’ contract extension, Derek Carr seems like a relative bargain
Agree, Cork! Right now, Carr looks to be overpaid, but he sure has the skillset to take the necessary leap this year (and in years to come). Although, I would argue that some of Carr’s stats may be skewed since the team overall was not as good as the Eagles teams that Wentz plays on, and therefore, Carr plays more often in garbage time when the game is already decided.
Interesting that you note Wentz makes better reads. I had always been of the impression that Carr was good at making reads, but now that you mention it I can remember several plays over the years where Carr threw to a covered receiver rather than a wide open one. The one that comes to mind most often is the throw to Cooper against the Chiefs in Oakland. Cooper had to “nudge” (shove) the DB away to make the catch on the visitor’s side of the end zone near the black hole before tiptoeing into the end zone. Meanwhile Seth Roberts was completely uncovered on the other side of the field. Carr’s penchant to check down also meant he missed some open receivers further down the field.
Another area of comparison which you do not discuss is which QB makes the plays necessary when the game is on the line late in the game. That is one area that Carr has not impressed me at all–which is surprising given his football knowledge. I don’t know much about Wentz’s play late in games. Does he understand that down by two scores with 5 minutes or less remaining it is time to run the hurry up offense, throw to the sidelines if possible, etc.? Does he throw a hail Mary rather than check down forcing the team into a ridiculous (and useless) lateral effort?
In the end QBs are always judged on wins, losses and SBs. At the moment Carr is on the short end of that measuring stick.
The key question is whether the Eagles can afford another $20M+ player on their roster, which was the excuse for Raiders trading Mack. It will be the same question with the Cowboys and Dak Prescott.
Indeed. Their window is going to be tight, given Wentz’ massive extension. There’s only so many impact players you can pay top dollar when the salary cap is at $190 million. The Raiders and Eagles did the right thing by throwing big stacks at Carr and Wentz if they are convinced those guys are talented enough to guide their respective teams to the Super Bowl.
Cork, this has to be a typo, right? If not, then I don’t understand the stat: “They both average an interception every 1.9 pass attempts, which is pretty impressive.”
@Carolina Coaster – Looking at the 2018 stats, Wentz had 7 INTs in his 401 pass attempts in the 11 games he played. DC had 10 INTs in his 553 pass attempts. Wentz had an INT for every 57.28 passes thrown, DC had one INT for every 55.3 passes thrown. The difference between the two QBs is 1.98, which means Wentz threw two more passes before being intercepted versus DC. All it means is that Wentz and DC are comparable stat-wise. The difference is that Wentz has played with better personnel on offense and the Eagles have a better defense versus DC and the Raiders.
Yes, that’s a typo. Thank you for the catch. It’s 1.9 percent of the time, or one of every 50 pass attempts or so. Or, put another way, very seldom. Bless you. — Cork
Carr is the most perplexing QB in the league last year I swore I was done with him and that was my in the heat of the moment or season thinkimg and I had some time to think afterwards and you absolutely have to take into consideration no QB not even Brady would succeed in a screwed up work enviorment or unstable like we have had for so long the only time it was somewhat stable was when del Rio was here the first two years so yes this year even though there is alot of mew componets he has no excuses this year there has to be significant inmprovement or its just time to move on we need that confident almost cocky Carr back there hooefully gruden is instilling that in him if not it will be another dumpster fire out there but the good thing is that the additions of both browns more so antonio there will be he’ll to pay if its another season next year
they both got paid via one MVP caliber season. and both have since not lived up to those seasons. but the NFL is a QB driven league & you can’t win without one. so as soon as you think you have one, you pay him now rather than later to save money & cross your fingers. that’s all the Raiders did & that’s what the Eagles just did.