The Return of Derek Carr: Can He Save the Saints From Oblivion?
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Well, well, well! Look who’s back to (hopefully) throw a few spirals instead of just spiraling down into despair! Yes, folks, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is set to return this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after chowing down on three games in the VIP (very injured player) section. It’s a tale as old as time: a player gets injured, misses some games, and when he returns, the team’s in a worse state than an episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
While Carr’s been out nursing his strained left oblique – yes, that’s a body part, not the name of a new vegan café – rookie Spencer Rattler took the reins. Now, while Spencer may have played the role of ‘quarterback’, let’s face it; at times, he probably looked more like the designated driver at a college party – enthusiastic but ultimately lost. Enter Jake Haener, who will be Carr’s backup. It’s like choosing between an umbrella or getting wet in a monsoon; neither sounds particularly appealing.
It’s been a “long process” for Carr to return, and we commend his medical team for getting him back on the field sooner than expected. If only they could manage the Saints’ offense, which has only managed to score a whopping three touchdowns in the last three games. Meanwhile, the team is sitting on a six-game losing streak, the longest since 2005. You’d think they were auditioning for a horror movie titled “The Saints of Sadness.”
When asked about the pressure of returning to a completely beleaguered offense, Carr lightened the mood by declaring, “I’m not a savior.” I mean, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from NFL quarterbacks, it’s that their heavenly attempts at saving teams often land like a deflated balloon at a child’s birthday party. “There’s only been one and it’s not me,” he joked. Well, with a sense of humor like that, he might be exactly what this team needs… or at least a much-needed distraction from their mounting losses.
Carr promises not to be a miracle worker but a “great leader, a great teammate, and to do my job to the best of my ability.” Right, because nothing screams ‘leadership’ quite like trying hard but probably failing spectacularly. He vows to put in those “long nights and very early days.” Honestly, he might as well start a motivational speaking tour. “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Or in Carr’s case, if life gives you a crumbling offensive line, pray for divine intervention.
Oh, but it just keeps getting better—at Wednesday practice, the Saints were missing their cornerback Marshon Lattimore due to a hamstring issue. Safety Tyrann Mathieu was absent due to illness—that’s not ideal—and both Kendre Miller and Bub Means were also watching from the sidelines like concerned parents at a kindergarten play. It’s a game of musical chairs, but unfortunately, they’re all out of seats!
In conclusion, will Carr’s magical return to the field be the spark the Saints need to end this miserable losing streak? Will his leadership lift the team, or will they all just trudge back into the locker room post-game, looking like they’ve just pulled their own teeth? Tune in this Sunday! Spoiler alert: It could be either triumphant or tragically hilarious. Either way, you won’t want to miss it!
Follow the best moments of all NFL games with RedZone, every Sunday from 1 p.m. on RDS.ca
After a three-game absence, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is set to reclaim his starting position this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, marking a pivotal return for the team. Carr’s previous outings saw him sidelined due to a strained left oblique, which he sustained late in Week 5 during a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While rookie Spencer Rattler filled the starting role during Carr’s injury, it will be Jake Haener stepping in as Carr’s backup, adding depth to the quarterback line as the Saints aim to break their disheartening six-game losing streak—their longest since 2005.
Carr characterized his recovery as a “long process,” expressing gratitude toward the medical staff for their support that helped expedite his return to the field, an experience he described as one of the most frustrating periods of his career. The Saints’ offensive struggles have been evident, scoring just three touchdowns over the last three games, raising questions about the pressure on Carr to boost the team’s performance.
In a lighthearted response to concerns of being a “savior” for the Saints, Carr stated, “I’m not a savior. There’s only been one and it’s not me,” emphasizing his focus on leadership, teamwork, and diligent effort rather than individual heroics. “I have nothing to promise except to try hard. I promise long nights and very early days, to make sure we give our best,” he added with enthusiasm, eager to return to the practice pitch.
At the Saints’ Wednesday practice, the team faced challenges with cornerback Marshon Lattimore nursing a hamstring issue, while safety Tyrann Mathieu was absent due to illness. Additionally, Kendre Miller and Bub Means were also sidelined, dealing with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, leaving the team’s roster under strain as they prepare for the crucial match.
**Interview with Sports Analyst Jamie Collins on Derek Carr’s Return**
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us today, Jamie. Let’s get straight to it—Derek Carr is back for the New Orleans Saints after missing three games. What do you think his return means for the team?
**Jamie Collins:** Thanks for having me! Carr’s return is crucial, especially given the Saints’ current six-game losing streak. His experience and leadership are invaluable right now. The offense has been stagnant, only managing three touchdowns in the last three games, and Carr can bring some stability—if he’s healthy and ready to play.
**Editor:** Much has been made about Carr’s injury. Do you think he’ll be able to perform at his best after being sidelined?
**Jamie Collins:** That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Injuries can be tricky, and while Carr seems optimistic, we need to see how he adjusts to the game speed after being out. There’s always a risk of re-injury, but if he’s cleared to play, he’ll have to put that behind him and focus on executing the game plan.
**Editor:** Speaking of the game plan, the team has struggled a lot offensively. Can Carr turn that around?
**Jamie Collins:** It’s going to be a challenge, for sure. He’s not a miracle worker, as he humorously remarked. But if he can connect with his receivers and develop some chemistry on the field quickly, they could potentially spark some life into the offense. However, he can’t do it alone, and the offensive line must provide him with protection.
**Editor:** You mentioned the players that were absent in practice this week. How might that impact the team’s performance?
**Jamie Collins:** Missing key players like Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu is never a good sign. Their absence could put additional pressure on the rest of the team, especially the defense. If Carr and the offense don’t produce points, the defense is going to face a lot of fatigue trying to carry the team on their backs.
**Editor:** if you had to predict the outcome of this Sunday’s match against the Panthers, what would you say?
**Jamie Collins:** It’s hard to predict, but I think it’ll be a litmus test for Carr and the Saints. If they come out strong and show signs of rejuvenation, I could see them grabbing a win. Conversely, if they struggle again, we might be looking at a deeper crisis for the season. Either way, it should be a fascinating game to watch!
**Editor:** Great insights, Jamie! Thank you for joining us and sharing your thoughts on Derek Carr’s pivotal return. We’ll be watching closely this Sunday!
**Jamie Collins:** Always a pleasure! Let’s hope for some exciting football ahead!
