Miles
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- Mar 18, 2019
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HOW DOES THE DEFENSE COMBAT DEREK CARR?
The Broncos are never in for an easy matchup against three-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr, who is 5-5 in his career against the Broncos.
That's especially true since the teams' second game of the 2017 season. Including that Week 12 Raiders win in Oakland, Carr has completed no fewer than 73 percent of his passes in games against the Broncos. Carr and the Raiders have won three of those four games, though all but one were one-score contests.
Carr's most accurate game, a Week 2 contest in 2018 in which Carr completed 90.6 percent of his passes, was the Broncos' lone win since October of 2017.
In Oakland's Week 1 win this season, Carr completed 22-of-26 passes for 259 yards, one touchdown and a 121.0 quarterback rating.
And though a narrative suggests that Carr is only accurate because he completes short, quick passes, the Raiders quarterback has averaged at least 9 yards per attempt in three of his last four games vs. Denver.
It is true, though, that Carr gets the ball out of his hands quick — and that neutralizes Denver's most valuable defensive weapon.
Von Miller has recorded just 1.5 sacks against Oakland during the most recent four-game stretch, and he has been held sackless over the last two matchups.
Vic Fangio's defense was still working out the kinks in Week 1, and Derek Carr and running back Josh Jacobs took advantage as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead. With Jacobs listed as doubtful, Carr may have to carry a larger load. If the Broncos can get pressure and force him to be inaccurate, their chances of evening the season series will drastically improve.
The Broncos may get some help from the weather, too. According to ESPN's Stats & Information department, Carr is 0-5 in games that are played at 40 degrees or below. He has averaged 166 passing yards, completed 54 percent of his passes and tallied a 9.0 QBR in those conditions. Additionally, Carr's touchdown-to-interception ratio is just 4-6.
The temperature in Denver is expected to hover below 40 degrees in Denver on Sunday.