The New Orleans Saints are in a precarious situation at 5-6 and with the Lions headed to the Superdome.
The season isn't over, but it's dangerously close, and a major storyline has the been the failure of quarterback Derek Carr to play at a level that justifies the $150 million contract he was handed this offseason. As WWL's Bobby Hebert broke down this week, there's a lot to be desired on that front.
Listen to more from SportsTalk in the player above. Can't see the embed? Click here.
“I don’t think Derek Carr is that much better than Andy Dalton. … I think what you were paying Andy Dalton, that was a bargain," Hebert said in response to a SportsTalk Caller. "Now, if we were paying Derek Carr that, that would be a bargain in this day and age. Just look at what Andy Dalton, and when you look at Jameis Winston, what they’re getting paid compared to Derek Carr. What has Derek Carr accomplished over Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton in his career to warrant getting paid $140-150 million. … Nothing, come on.”
Carr has led an offense that's generated respectable offensive performances this season, several of which have resulted in 400-yard games. He became the first Saints quarterback since Drew Brees in 2015 to log three consecutive 300-yard passing games. The issue has come in the red zone, where he has been among the least efficient quarterbacks in the league, a trend that has followed Carr throughout his career.
One particularly damning stat is 5-22 (23.7%) on pass attempts inside the 10 yard line. Among quarterbacks that have attempted at least 10 such passes, that completion % ranks 29th out of 29 eligible passers.
It's hefty criticism, and the issues aren't all on him, but that's what happens when you're paid like a franchise-altering criticism. You get the weight of the franchise on your shoulders, good or bad.
“You can’t blame it all on the Raiders," Hebert continues. "Now, you know, right place, right time and all that, but, hey, listen, I always say this. That comes with pressure. You’re a pro. You’ve got to be able to take the heat or get out of the kitchen. Much is given, much is required. No, he can’t just be a star. With what they’re paying him, he’s got to be a superstar. That just comes with the territory.”
Can that change in Week 13 to get the Saints back on track? The circumstances certainly aren't helping. Carr's offense will likely be going into this game without any of its top three wide receivers. Mike Thomas is on IR with a knee injury, while Rashid Shaheed has missed multiple days of practice with a quad issue and Chris Olave is navigating the concussion protocol.
For the Saints to get the job done this week, Carr will likely need a strong assist from his defense in terms of stopping the Lions rushing attack in ways they were unable to stop the Falcons a week ago.
“I can tell you right now, you go to the game in the Dome, if we don’t stop the run and try and keep them off balance … because they can run, I think Jared Goff will have success," Hebert said, "and then you’re going to be disgruntled, you’re going to be booing and all that."
