Derek Carr feels confident in Saints scheme

Derek Carr spent nine seasons with the Raiders and the last few months have been a whirlwind for him after signing as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints. A new team, a new city, new teammates, a new scheme to learn. However, Carr feels like he's made significant strides in a short amount of time. 

“I’m pretty far along from where I feel like I was, knowing the system and things like that,” Carr said, per Nola.com. “You never want to feel like you have it all figured out. But I feel confident with where I’m at.”

To this point, the Saints have had 10 OTA practices and will begin mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. 

Receiver Michael Thomas called Carr "amazing" and can't wait to "create something special with him." Head coach Dennis Allen has noticed that the way Carr has commanded the huddle is earning respect from wideouts. There seems to be clarity and chemistry developing. 

"He kind of raises the expectation of what those guys have to be able to do," Allen explained. "There's a certain position that he wants them to be in and a certain way that he wants them to run the routes."

Carr is coming off a down season where he was a turnover magnet and largely inefficient to boot, throwing 24 touchdowns to 14 interceptions with a 60.8 percent completion rate. This was the lowest since his rookie season. The good news for Carr and the Saints is the NFC South is overwhelmingly weak heading into the season and they should be able to compete for the divisional crown. A rebound year could be in store.

Rebound season or not, Carr and whoever comes after him as QB of the Saints will be living in Drew Brees's shadow until they're able to bring the franchise another Lombardi Trophy. However, Brees appears to be in Carr's corner. 

“I think he’s got some weapons around him. I’m excited that Michael Thomas will be back and hopefully healthy — he deserves that," Brees said in April, per SaintsWire. "I think they’re going to be well-positioned to make a run at it.”

The Saints are hoping a change of scenery does Carr wonders. The Saints haven't made the playoffs since 2020 when they lost to Tampa Bay in the Divisional Round. It's playoffs or bust at this point.