Does Derek Carr make the Saints NFC South favorites?
Derek Carr has recently been added to the Saints roster after a four-year deal was reached between the two parties. This comes after the quarterback was in hot water last year with the Raiders, in large part because the team did not meet expectations. Now that he has been picked up by the Saints, does this make them the NFC South favorites this upcoming season? Let’s dive into it.
Personally, I believe there is a strong possibility that the Saints outright win that division. With the addition of Carr, who I still have faith in as a quarterback, that offense can finally shine again. Carr isn’t Drew Brees, but with Jamies Winston being hurt all year and Andy Dalton as the next best thing, they are now in much better hands.
The situation for the Saints is even better now that Tom Brady has left — the division wide open. Even with him in Tampa this previous year, the Buccaneers barely retained their title of division winners by one game. Because of this, the Bucs are easily out of the race for the division.
However, there is also the possibility that Carr, once again, does not meet the new set expectations. Most people are doubting his ability after failing to lead an offense consisting of Davante Adams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs. That, however, is just the surface of it, as not all were present for most of the year.
With injuries being a concern last year for the Raiders, the Saints also met that same issue. Their star wide receiver, Michael Thomas, has yet to play a full season in three years. On top of that, in his last three seasons he has played a total of ten games. Not a good look.
That is not the only concern for the Saints’ offensive roster, as Alvin Kamara has also been in some trouble here recently. It’s safe to say his behavior off the field is anything but a Saint. With his new charges there are now concerns for both Thomas and Kamara to play.
That said, the Panthers and Falcons have been rebuilding for a few years now. Both teams finished 7-10 last year, along with the Saints, and could swoop in for the division, even with Carr in New Orleans.
The Panthers are in a prime spot to beef up their offense with a young quarterback this draft. Pairing whoever they select with DJ Moore and the defensive stars, Brian Burns and Jaycee Horn, that team can be quite formidable this coming season. The Falcons are also sitting pretty with their star tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and shutdown corner A.J. Terrell.
Therefore, is it safe to say that the Saints will win the division with Derek Carr at the helm of the offense? In all honesty, I have them as the current favorites. If all goes well with Thomas and Kamara, that offense will be stacked with stars including the impressive second-year, Chris Olave. However, that’s if everything goes according to plan.
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