Carr’s hot start due, in part, to lighter load

By Ross Jackson

Surprises have been littered throughout the Saints’ 2-0 start.

The offensive line is performing much better than anticipated. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system came out of the gate swinging, and quarterback Derek Carr looks entirely rejuvenated. 

Everyone expected each of these areas and more to see improvement in 2024. However, the extent of immediate upgrades has been nothing short of impressive, Carr’s in particular. 

Carr was a different quarterback in the last six games of 2023 than the first month. He looks to have taken yet another step with this new system. Contrary to what might be expected, the development comes, not from having him take on more responsibilities in the offense, but rather taking some of them away and freeing him up to do the things he does extremely well. 

Saints head coach Dennis Allen joined the Rich Eisen Show earlier this week and discussed some of the things he credits for Carr’s observable joy and success when on the field. 

“I think certainly he’s had a lot of challenges throughout his career,” Allen said. “I think there’s always been a ton that’s been put on his plate. He’s always had to make all the checks on the line of scrimmage. He’s been the one that has to get everyone in the right play. He’s never been able to just go out and just play football. And I think he’s able to do that now.”

It is interesting that to the blind eye, this would seem more like a punishment than anything. But it most certainly isn’t. A reduction of ancillary responsibilities that helps to bolster effectiveness in those primary or core to success is a good decision. It’s addition by subtraction. And it has made an undeniable difference.

Carr currently leads or is tied for the NFL lead in many major passing categories–passing touchdowns (5), touchdown percentage (12.8%), yards per average (11.4), NFL passer rating (142.4) and QBR (96.2). 

He also leads in some key deeper analytics as well. Adjusted net yards per average is a statistic that takes into account not only yardage gained through the air but lost by taking sacks and even weighs touchdowns and interceptions against one another. A true “tell-all” analytic to some. Carr leads the league in this metric at 12.10. The second place passer, Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen, falls in with a 9.52 rating. 

Carr also leads the NFL in EPA per play and completion percentage over expected. Both are advanced metrics that measures play-by-play efficiency and contribution. No matter how it’s sliced, Carr is having a phenomenal start to the season. And how the Saints have freed the game up for him has been a massive advantage in Allen’s eyes. 

“Some of the burden and the responsibility of being the flag holder for the team, he doesn’t have to do all those things. And so, he’s able to be free to just play the game. I think he’s enjoying doing that. And I’m enjoying watching him do it.”