Oakland Raiders: A look inside some numbers Derek Carr must improve in 2018

4.3

In just four seasons, Carr has thrown 103 touchdowns. That puts him in some pretty elite company for most touchdown throws to start your career.

Only three quarterbacks in NFL history have thrown more touchdowns than Carr has through his first four years in the league. Dan Marino (142), Peyton Manning (111), Russell Wilson (106), and Carr with his 103. Andrew Luck has thrown 101 touchdowns in his first four seasons, rounding out the top-five.

Not too shabby, right?

Imagine how much more it could be though, had Carr not taken such a downturn in 2017. No, he likely wouldn’t have caught Marino, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility that had he been more efficient and productive, he could have caught and passed both Manning and Wilson.

Carr’s 4.3 percent touchdown percentage in 2017 was the second lowest of his career – just behind his rookie season, when his TD percentage was a woeful 3.5 percent.

In 2015, Carr threw 32 scores, and his touchdown percentage was 5.6 percent. In 2016, he threw 28 more, and it was 5.0. Last season, he tapered off, finishing with 22 touchdowns on 515 passing attempts – also the fewest touchdown passes he’s had in one season since his rookie year – leading to his 4.3 touchdown percentage.

If Gruden and Carr are going to put some sizzle and power back into the passing game, Carr’s touchdown percentage is going to have to go back up again.