While Matt Ryan ended up being the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2016, and many argued that Tom Brady probably deserved the award as well, there’s one man that may have deserved it even more. See, Matt Ryan was great, but whether by an inept coach or a weak stomach, he faltered when it mattered most. And while Tom Brady went on a historic tear, winning his fifth Super Bowl, the team was able to win with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett. However, when Derek Carr went down, so did the Raiders. Here’s why Derek Carr must be considered the favorite to be Most Valuable Player in 2017.
Derek Carr: The Once and Future MVP
It’s easy to see why Tom Brady is the current favorite to win the award. The AFC East is a joke yet again, and he’s got targets like Rob Gronkowski, Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, and Julian Edelman to throw to. For once, Tom Brady may even be a more viable fantasy option than Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers. However, this article isn’t about Tom Brady, it’s about the man that will be bringing home the MVP award next season.
Improvement
Slowly but surely, Derek Carr has been improving year to year. The injury cut 2016 short, so his total numbers aren’t better, but if you read between the lines, they certainly are. His completion percentage has improved every year, as have his yards per attempt and yards per completion. Not only that, but he’s cut down on turnovers, throwing half as many interceptions in 2016 as he did the year before.
It’s more than just his statistical improvements that have the Raiders excited. As he’s matured, he’s become more involved with the offense. New offensive coordinator, Todd Downing claims he wants Carr to be more involved with the game-planning, and considering the young gun earned audible-privileges last year, this can only mean good things for the Raiders.
In a mic’d up clip with NFL Network from the game against the Indianapolis Colts where Derek Carr was hurt, it was revealed that Carr actually audibled from a pass, into a run that ended up going for a touchdown. A young quarterback that prioritizes winning over statistical achievements? That’s a rarity.
Most Valuable
Without Derek Carr, the Oakland Raiders weren’t a 12 win team last year. Connor Cook and Matt McGloin completely crumpled under the pressure, and couldn’t command the offense the way that Carr did. Without Derek Carr, the Oakland Raiders are not Super Bowl contenders. In a perfect world, the MVP goes to the most valuable player, and not the player with the best stats. If the Patriots go 3-1 without Brady, is he more valuable than Carr is to the Raiders? It’s hard to imagine them winning a single game without the cannon from Fresno State.
All Eyes on DC
In 2017, all eyes will be on Derek Carr. The young gun signed a five year, $125,000,000 contract extension this off-season, making him the highest paid player in NFL history. There’s a ton of preseason hype, and the Raiders are the talk of the town. It’ll be on Carr to prove he’s worth every penny.
He’s improved drastically from year to year, and this will be the best Raiders team he’s ever had. Marshawn Lynch gives their offense some much-needed physicality, Jared Cook gives him a new weapon, and if Seth Roberts keeps dropping the ball? Cordarrelle Patterson is there to pick up the slack. Carr’s hungry after having last season stolen from him, and with his new toys, he’s ready to wreak havoc.
In Carr We Trust
Derek Carr is set to have the best season of his career, and the Raiders will live and die on his arm. Khalil Mack will terrorize passers, Marshawn Lynch will bowl over defenders, and Amari Cooper will make the sharpest cuts you’ve ever seen. But when it’s all said and done, it’s the star quarterback that will be the most valuable.
