The Dennis Allen-Derek Carr Relationship is Built on Trust and Confidence

Dennis Allen is placing his full trust and confidence in Derek Carr. Will the relationship produce championships in New Orleans?

Kyle T. Mosley | Mar 17, 2023

The Dennis Allen-Derek Carr Relationship is Built on Trust and Confidence /

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New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS - Last Saturday, the New Orleans Saints media room was quite spirited, awaiting Derek Carr's introductory press conference as the New Orleans Saints' new franchise quarterback.

A new era of New Orleans Saints football arrived with Derek Carr, but the moment began long before his signing.

Dennis Allen and Derek Carr — Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen and chief executive officer Gayle Benson and quarterback Derek Carr pose at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Like most head coaches, Dennis Allen had to find "his guy" to be the team's quarterback. It's the most important position of any NFL team. A franchise must have a leader aligning with the head coach's vision. It's a symbiotic relationship that wins or fails together.

"I don't think it's just a veteran quarterback," Dennis Allen told a reporter. I think it's the veteran quarterback that we wanted." Carr has been and will continue to be the figure Dennis Allen always wanted and will support as the Saints signal-caller. It's not a slight on Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton; it's his preference.

An NFL head coach, at times, must ride and die with his chosen QB. Sean Payton chose Drew Brees, Bill Walsh needed Joe Montana, and Andy Reid had to get Patrick Mahomes. Selecting the "right quarterback" is like choosing the right spouse. You could build a wonderful life together, or going through the divorce will be hell.

Dennis Allen continued at the press conference, "We clearly identified Derek as our number one target. And we went and went and got him. I think the interesting thing is we really didn't try to sell Derek per se. We just told him the truth. We told the truth about what we thought about him."

Carr knows the expectations are high. Since Drew Brees' retirement, New Orleans has not solidified the quarterback spot. Jameis Winston was considered Brees' inherited leader, but two seasons of serious injuries derailed him from retaining the position. Plus, Allen always had eyes elsewhere.

Last offseason, he pursued Deshaun Watson. This offseason, he identified Derek Carr as the man for the job. Nevertheless, in each case, Winston wasn't his first choice.

Remember, Jameis was Sean Payton's guy, not Allen's. A new head coach must trust the leader he appoints as his field general - in Allen's case, it's Derek Carr.

"I'm not coming here trying to be Drew Brees. That man is a Hall of Fame quarterback. I'm coming here to be Derek Carr," Carr stated.

Carr must chart his direction in New Orleans. How he navigates the endless comparisons to Brees will rest solely on his performance. Still, to have your coach's trust and admiration bodes well for the challenges ahead for Derek Carr.

Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis looks on at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Does Carr have the character and resolve to get the New Orleans Saints back to hunting for a second Lombardi Trophy? I believe so. There is hope and anticipation for him to be "that guy" on Airline Drive. You could sense it from Allen, Carr, and the look on Mickey Loomis' face as he stood through the entire presser.

"I think we all felt like when we had a chance to sit down and visit with Derek, and he told us what was really important to him. And what was really important to him was going and winning. And trying to win a championship. I felt all along that this was going to be the spot, that was going to be the best fit," Allen remarked.

The Dennis Allen-Derek Carr relationship is built on trust and confidence, and resembles other notable winning coach-quarterback tandems of the past. Could the duo deliver championships together in New Orleans?

We shall see.

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