Derek Carr’s toughness was questioned all summer after taking a beating the previous year with the offensive line giving up 51 sacks. From “First Take” to social media, it has become the running joke that Carr cowers under pressure.

In 2017 and 2018, Carr did add fuel to the flame with awful play when he was pressured by opposing defenses. Carr threw 17 interceptions under pressure during those two years, according to PFF, accounting for 74% of all his interceptions thrown. That stat itself is one of the main reasons Gruden drafted Kolton Miller and brought in Trent Brown to hold up against the leagues best pass rushers.

Carr’s passer rating wasn’t much better during that span. He accumulated a passer rating under pressure for 49.45, which is one the worst in the NFL. These stats are why many media pundits had written off Carr before the season, thinking he wouldn’t have the ability to handle pressure long term.

However, in 2019, we have seen a complete 180 from the former second-round pick. He is second in the league in passer rating under pressure at 109.0 only behind MVP favorite Russell Wilson. He is fourth in touchdowns while under duress with five on the season, and the best part: He has not thrown an interception at all this year in these situations.

What has changed? Carr’s pocket presence has improved dramatically, allowing him to navigate under pressure and avoid sacks. His feet have stayed calm and he has kept his eyes downfield when players are falling all around him. Carr was under pressure 40.6% of the time against the Lions, and it was hard to notice because of how he was avoiding sacks.

Only 13% of pressures allowed by the Raiders have turned into sacks this season, with only 7% turning into sacks during Week 9, according to PFF. The perfect example of this was the last offensive play of the game, where Carr avoids the pressure, rolls out, and finds Hunter Renfrow with a dime for the game-winner.

This is another gem against the Packers where Carr displays poise under pressure and finds Derek Carrier for a 17-yard gain.

With the offensive line facing injury concerns going into the big Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers, they will need this Carr to show up. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will be looking to feast on the opposing quarterback, but hopefully, Carr will continue his excellent run under pressure.