Derek Carr looks 'pretty damn good' in first game as Saints QB

Last season, it was difficult to believe Derek Carr was the problem for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Carr had an excellent 2021 campaign. Even after the Raiders made him the scapegoat for a losing season in 2022 and ultimately dismissed him, the New Orleans Saints were eager to sign Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract.

And, while it was only one drive in a preseason game, Carr did not appear to be a burden.

Carr performed admirably in his first preseason snaps with the Saints. On New Orleans' first drive, he completed 6-of-8 throws for 70 yards and a touchdown. After that, Saints coach Dennis Allen saw enough and benched Carr in favor of Jameis Winston. Winston quickly delivered a touchdown pass, giving the Saints a 14-0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Carr's confidence was evident throughout the drive, not just in the stats. He was composed in the pocket, connecting with tight end Juwan Johnson for a pair of catches. He connected with a sliding Michael Thomas for 16 yards downfield. Alvin Kamara contributed with a couple of catches and a 12-yard run. Carr waited patiently until Keith Kirkwood got open in the back of the end zone before hitting him for a touchdown. Carr appeared to have been the Saints' quarterback for many years.

The Saints' starting defense also performed admirably, stopping Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense at midfield on the game's first drive. On fourth-and-1, the Chiefs attempted a risky direct snap to tight end Blake Bell, who was stuffed for no gain at the line.

After missing the playoffs in a poor NFC South last season, the Saints felt they needed to upgrade at quarterback. Carr became available after the Raiders opted to part ways with him after nine seasons. Maybe Carr and the Saints will be a good combination.