How legends, new OC helped Saints' Derek Carr become early MVP candidate

NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic previously mentioned how first-year New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak utilized a "motion-heavy, play-action based offense" to get the most out of quarterback Derek Carr over the first two weeks of the 2024 season.

For an article published on Tuesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN shared how Carr got himself ready to play under Kubiak.

"Through conversations with Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and former Saints quarterback Drew Brees," Terrell explained, "[Carr] got advice on how to get off to a faster start in a new offense engineered by new coordinator Klint Kubiak. He emulated the 'mental reps' strategy Brees was known for, running through the entire practice script every day before the rest of the team showed up."

Carr may want to speak with Manning and Brees every week until further notice. According to ESPN stats, Carr ended Week 2 of the campaign leading the NFL among qualified players with a 96.2 adjusted QBR, a 142.4 passer rating, an average of 11.4 yards gained per pass attempt and five touchdowns through the air (tied with Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Most importantly, Carr guided the Saints to a 47-10 Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers and an impressive 44-19 victory at the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday.

"The Saints utilized play-action on a league-low 13% of their dropbacks last season," Terrell wrote, "the lowest rate in the league. That number has increased to 51% this season, the highest."

Terrell added, "Carr said he got out of the pocket against the Panthers more than he ever had in his career."

Back in February, Joey Aliberti of GulfLive noted that the Saints restructuring the four-year contract reportedly worth $150M with $100M in total guarantees that Carr signed in March 2023 "likely means" he’ll be with the team until at least the end of the 2025 season.

If Carr remains hot through this coming Sunday's home game against the 1-1 Philadelphia Eagles, some may start to wonder if he's one of the league's better bargains at the position.

As of early Tuesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Carr as a +3500 betting underdog to claim the Most Valuable Player Award for the ongoin g regular season.

Those who think Kubiak has unlocked Carr's true potential may want to take a flier on such a wager before the Saints welcome the Eagles to the Caesars Superdome.