Derek Carr Exceeds Expectations In Bold Predictions

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr expects to surpass expectations in our SNN bold predictions.

The New Orleans Saints will conclude the latest round of OTA sessions this week in Metairie, LA.  Signs point to quarterback Derek Carr having a banner year and career revival this season.  Well, there's no better place to have that revival than in New Orleans.  First, the Saints must repent for last season's performance.  Afterwards, the praising and shouting can begin in Caesars Superdome.  Carr must earn the trust of Saints fans by delivering wins and overcoming last year's shortcomings.  Forever the optimists, the SNN team make their preseason edition of bold predictions for Derek Carr.

HOW DEREK CARR WILL EXCEED EXPECTATIONS IN NEW ORLEANS

Derek Carr - New Orleans Saints Quarterback

JOHN HENDRIX ON DEREK CARR

Carr has the weapons at his disposal on offense to go along with a strong offensive line to succeed.  Most importantly, he has a defense that can be anything better than what the Raiders had during his time there.  The AFC is absolutely the cream of the crop when it comes to the quarterback position, while the NFC has plenty of question marks.

Carr doesn't have to be this huge hero, just be smart with the ball and put New Orleans in a position to win.  Carr's presence has been great thus far, and there are more reasons to be optimistic with him in charge to lead the Saints where they want to go.  We'll project him pushing over 4,000 yards and hitting over 30 touchdown passes to flirt with being a Top 10 QB in the NFL.

Bottomline: Derek Carr finishes out as a Top 5 QB in the NFC and Top Half in the NFL

BOB ROSE ON DEREK CARR

Reunited with Dennis Allen, the coach who drafted him in 2014, many think the Saints will have a wide-open passing game in 2023.  Not likely, with the conservative Allen as head coach. However, the Saints will still have a much more productive passing attack.

I expect Carr to have a stat line of just over 4,000 yards through the air and a completion percentage of close to 70% with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

ROSS JACKSON ON DEREK CARR 

Carr piles up over 4,000 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns in 2023, distributing to two 900+ yard receivers.  The Saints haven't had two pass-catchers over 900 yards since wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas topped 1,000 in 2016. ''

KYLE T. MOSLEY ON DEREK CARR

My projection for Derek Carr:

• He will make the Pro-Bowl and earn second-team All-Pro honors.
• Carr will pass for over 4,300 yards, 32 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions.
• He'll lead the Saints to win the NFC South with 12 victories.
• He'll be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate.

What elements would help Carr this season?

1. Consistency;
2. Clutch play in close games;
3. Critical decision-making;
4. Competing well to get into the postseason;
5. Challenge NFC competitors for the Lombardi Trophy.

New Orleans probably won't make it to Las Vegas for Super Bowl, but could find their way into the NFC Championship game.

For now, it's still the offseason with OTAs concluding and minicamps to follow.

We shall see.

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Get more Saints Lagniappe with the Saints News Network for more coverage of the New Orleans Saints throughout the offseason from senior writers John Hendrix, Bob Rose, Ross Jackson, and Kyle T. Mosley.

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