Derek Carr and the new-look New Orleans Saints take on the Los Angeles Chargers in preseason action tonight. Carr and the Saints’ offense looked great during his brief appearance last week against Kansas City.
Carr begins his first season as the Saints’ QB after leaving the only team he has known during his NFL career, the Raiders. New Orleans surrounded Carr with offensive weapons from second-year receiver Chris Olave, veterans Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara, and a potential emerging tight end in Juwan Johnson.
If Carr and the Saints’ offense continue to progress, New Orleans will be the favorites to win the NFC South. What can we expect from the Saints in 2023, and will Carr suit up tonight?
Is Derek Carr Playing Today?
The Saints are one of the few NFL teams that keep their roster decisions close to the vest. Carr started last week and looked sensational for the brief time he was on the field.
Derek Carr?? More like Derek TANK pic.twitter.com/mRR2QLVadB
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 11, 2023
Expect him to start against the Chargers and for New Orleans to follow a similar script as they did versus the Chiefs, with their starting QB seeing a series or two before being put on ice.
What To Expect From Carr in Preseason Week 2?
More of the same. The Saints’ focus this offseason has been to develop chemistry between their new signal-caller and the weapons New Orleans has in place.
Which Derek Carr will the Saints get? The 2022 version–or the QB who plays well in structure, avoids picks, and gets the ball out quickly?
The answer will determine how far New Orleans goes…
NFC South preview pod with @LedyardNFLDraft out now: https://t.co/25po4Tj9rF pic.twitter.com/fiPyQdqou4
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 18, 2023
From all accounts, Carr has demonstrated chemistry with receivers Olave and Thomas, which should lead to the Saints’ passing game remaining on display this week.
What To Expect From Carr in 2023?
Carr offers one of the more reliable projections in the NFL. He does not possess the ceiling of the top-notch signal-callers in the game but is a dependable hand that steers a franchise.
If you're a Saints fan you gotta be pumped about what you saw from Derek Carr#PMSLive #Saints pic.twitter.com/5AFTFEo5kd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 14, 2023
Carr will move the ball around to the weapons on offense and get the running backs involved out of the backfield. He has a tendency to lock on to a receiver he likes, which screams upside potential for Olave.
What To Expect From New Orleans in 2023?
Derek Carr’s first drive as a Saint looked pretty smooth 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/lmTOZJq6gg
— 𝙈𝙤𝙤𝙠 ⚜️ (@MookDontMiss) August 14, 2023
New Orleans appears to be on sturdy ground, with every NFC South team transitioning to a new quarterback under center for the 2023 season.
The Carolina Panthers are breaking in Bryce Young. While talented, Young is a rookie nonetheless. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons transition to Desmond Ridder, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are moving on with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.
Carr is new to the Saints, but the former Raider brings a solid veteran presence to the team, something the Saints’ NFC South rivals can’t boast. Expect New Orleans to undergo a revival in 2023 and win the NFC South.
