Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan continues to face disrespect
By Nick Halden
#11 Derek Carr
Serious question what has Derek Carr done in his career to be ranked above Matt Ryan? If based simply on projections both Ryan and Carr are expected by most pundits to miss the playoffs. Neither player is thought to be a legitimate MVP candidate and only one of these players has actually won one.
To take it a step further, where is Carr’s resume of success? Carr is a solid quarterback who has performed well. His career is very similar to Matthew Stafford’s lots of production and impressive throws without any playoff moments.
If you’re going to be anywhere near the top ten quarterbacks in the league you need one of two things either transcendental talent or great playoff success. Carr respectfully has neither, and under John Gruden, it is hard to see him finding success this season in a stacked AFC. Carr isn’t better than Ryan not based on past or future projections. Carr is a solid franchise quarterback yet to prove himself in the playoffs or in any high leverage games.
Perhaps the highlight of Carr’s career is beating Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs once last year in the regular season. A win the team promptly celebrated as if they had won it all.
Also of note, Carr finished last season with fewer passing yards and more turnovers throwing only one more touchdown pass than Ryan in what was a down year for the Atlanta quarterback. Carr certainly isn’t better than Ryan and perhaps not better than Matthew Stafford or Baker Mayfield both of whom have had more success and are ranked behind him.