Giants Upgrade To Carr

The Giants finally addressed an area I have been harping on for over a year now: acquiring a legit backup QB. They did it by signing David Carr, the number one overall pick in 2002. If you are keeping count, the Giants now have two players selected number one overall, both amazingly at the QB position: Manning (2004) and now Carr. Not sure if this is a first time thing for a team at any position, let alone QB. 

Carr is a six year veteran who has in no way lived up to his lofty draft status. So how does he help the Giants? He should be viewed as a backup only, combining his playing experience with a surrounding cast that easily is the most talented he has dealt with, which makes him a viable option if the Giants need to turn to him. Carr clearly has all the physical skills and being reunited with his former head coach, Chris Palmer, can only be viewed as positives. So what are the negatives?

Despite his physical ability, Carr’s most glaring weakness is field awareness. There is a reason he has been one of the most sacked QB over his time in the NFL. Some of it is due to poor offensive lines (remember, the Texans were an expansion team), but some of it is clearly his pocket presence. I read something about his season last year in Carolina, who had four different starting quarterbacks including Carr.  Carr predictably was the most sacked of the four. One of those was ancient, totally immobile Vinnie Testaverdie. I think you get the point.

There’s couple things going on here. First, Carr holds the ball too long, and secondly, either doesn’t see open receivers or is unwilling to throw to an “NFL open” receiver. Being open in college and being open in the NFL are two different animals.  Holding the ball too long is a double edged sword. While it can lead to sacks, it can also lead to big plays. Phil Simms was criticized for holding the ball too long. Indeed, he’s the most sacked QB in NFL history. But Simms also made big plays because of this same fault.

So is Carr a plus or a minus for the Giants? By this post’s title, you know how I feel. He is a veteran with skills. And like I said, he will now be viewed as a backup rather than a number one pick expected to carry an NFL team. Combine that with a culture that is absolutely thriving right now in East Rutherford, Carr has a good chance to succeed. But of course, let’s just hope he never gets that chance to prove it. Carr is simply insurance, and insurance is something you never want to have to use.

Author: admin

This website is intended to provide analysis and opinions on the New York Giants and other happenings involving the National Football League, with the option for commentary by readers. The site is designed by Bill Kohut, a Giants' fan for over 25 years and the owner of billkohut.com.