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Derek Carr, Khalil Mack Bring Back Pride and Poise

By Carl Cockerham

Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and linebacker Khalil Mack (52) celebrate after a NFL International Series game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and linebacker Khalil Mack (52) celebrate after a NFL International Series game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver in front of Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver in front of Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Derek Carr

When Carr was a rookie, he actually out-Bradyed New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Down 16-9, Carr drove the Raiders in for the potential game-winning or tying score. But a bogus holding penalty took away Darren McFadden’s 6-yard TD run.

Shortly after, Carr bounced a pass right off Denarius Moore’s chest and it was intercepted. What Carr did in New England with Brady on the sideline showed his poise. He just needed more around him he managed one 4th-quarter comeback that year.

Skip to 2016 and Carr has 11 4th-quarter comebacks since 2014, the most in the NFL. He has six this year to tie with Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for the league’s lead. Carr also has the highest 4th-quarter quarterback rating in the NFL.

Against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, he threw a record fifth game-winning TD passes in the fourth quarter or overtime. His numbers for the season are right up there with the best QBs in the NFL. But it’s his clutchness that makes him such a strong MVP candidate.

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