Derek Carr Can Overcome Criticism With Two Wins, Playoffs

New Orleans Saints starting quarterback is left with two games to quiet the criticism, change the negativity, and get his team into the NFL Playoffs.

When things fall apart for a franchise quarterback, the intense criticism roars louder than a Christmas Eve bonfire on the bayou. Longtime sports columnist Jarrett Bell delivered his "NFL's best and worst of 2023: Kadarius Toney, Taylor Swift and more." Unfortunately for New Orleans Saints signal-caller, Bell rates Derek Carr's acquisition as the NFL's "Worst Bargain" of 2023.

"The New Orleans Saints reunited coach Dennis Allen with the former Raiders quarterback and signed Carr to a $150 million contract that averages $37.5 million and guarantees $100 million. The investment is backfiring. The Saints offense has struggled in the red zone (19th in the NFL). And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – with a cheaper quarterback in Baker Mayfield – are in the driver's seat to win the NFC South."  Jarrett Bell

Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports and Ross Jackson, Saints News Network

Derek Carr has a chance to change the narrative with two games left on the schedule. Winning Weeks 17 and 18 and securing the NFC South title, he can silence critics by overcoming the team's three-year playoff drought.

The 10-year veteran understands the implications of losing and the team's subpar performance in 2023-24. "The whole year has been tough," Carr said at Wednesday's media availability session. "The one thing that our guys keep showing us is that they keep fighting."

The New Orleans Saints will travel across the Gulf of Mexico to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 17 NFC South battle. A victory for the Saints would keep their hopes alive for a division title and a spot in the 2024 NFL Playoffs.

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However, a loss would eliminate them from contention. If New Orleans wins, it will set up a possible winner-takes-all scenario in the season finale against their rival, the Atlanta Falcons.

New Orleans Saints (7-8) meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) at noon CT in Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 31. According to SI Sportsbook, the Bucs have a 56.9% chance of winning against the Saints and the game's point spread in favor of the home team is 2.5.