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Of the most encouraging performances of the weekend, Derek Carr’s had to be near the top of the list. This is not a rebuilding job in New Orleans. Carr, on Sunday, entered a huddle loaded with accomplished vets. The defense in New Orleans has a chance to be really good, too. And all that is indicative of where the brass there has felt they’ve been the past few years—consistent quarterback play shy of being a very real contender, with the clock ticking on a core that’s been together for more than a half decade now.
Carr played one possession, finishing 6-of-8 for 70 yards and a touchdown, including one thrown to journeyman Keith Kirkwood on a line to cap a 12-play, 80-yard drive. Carr moved and threw effectively. He hit Alvin Kamara and Juwan Johnson and the returning Michael Thomas, and had a ball that was dropped by second-year receiver Chris Olave on the first play of the game.
