Carr could be in conversation for MVP

The race for the NFL MVP award is lined with customary names like Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady.

- Michael Wagaman

Then there’s the newcomers to the chase: Josh Allen, Russell Wilson and Dalvin Cook.

Derek Carr deserves to be part of the discussion, too.

Statistically speaking, Carr’s numbers are generally middle-of-the-pack. Through eight games he was seventh in passing yards and touchdowns, eighth in completions and fifth overall in passer rating. He was also fifth in completion percentage, which put him ahead of such luminaries as Rodgers, Brady, Mahomes and Allen.

But to truly understand Carr’s impact this season is to watch him on a daily basis.

Now in his third year working in Jon Gruden’s system, Carr is playing with an all-time high confidence level he hasn’t shown since early in his career. Although there have been a few hiccups along the way, he seems to have rid himself of the bonehead moments that caused fans to pull their hair out and operates the offense smoothly and efficiently.

He’s got a superb supporting cast around him, arguably the best he’s had in seven seasons with the Raiders. His comfort level is such that he’s back to running and throwing on the move, something he got away from doing the last few years.

Finally settled into his new home in Las Vegas, Carr is playing relaxed and care-free. And it shows.