Struggling in Loss, Injured Saints QB Derek Carr Braves Injury and Plays

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr refused to blame his shoulder injury for the team’s lackluster offensive performance in a disappointing 26-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the injury may have been a factor, it was not the sole reason for the Saints’ inability to score more than 20 points for the 11th consecutive game. The team was even booed by their own fans during the game.

“We were thoroughly outplayed today,” admitted Saints coach Dennis Allen. “It was unacceptable. We are all extremely disappointed.”

Carr struggled throughout the game, completing only 23-of-37 passes for 137 yards and no touchdowns. He had a mere 79 passing yards by the end of the third quarter. To add insult to injury, Carr fumbled the ball and was sacked near the end of the game at the Saints’ own 25-yard line.

“We’re just not consistent enough right now,” Carr acknowledged. “Our inconsistency is preventing us from meeting the standards we set for ourselves, and in this league, inconsistency won’t get you wins.”

Carr, who is nursing a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, showed signs of discomfort after the last sack. Teammates helped him off the field. Jameis Winston replaced Carr for the next drive, but unfortunately threw an interception on his first play with only 2:24 remaining.

When asked about the severity of the hits he received, Carr jokingly responded, “They all hurt,” but didn’t indicate any long-term effects.

“It’s football,” he shrugged. “Everything is bound to be sore.”

Allen mentioned that Carr looked good during practice on Friday, despite not participating in team snaps on Wednesday and Thursday. This encouraged the decision to start him. Allen didn’t notice any limitations from Carr’s shoulder during the actual game, though he wasn’t entirely certain.

“I didn’t see anything that made me think he couldn’t play,” Allen stated. “Did he miss some throws? Yes, he did. Is it related to the shoulder injury? I can’t say for sure. We had our chances…but we didn’t capitalize on them.”

Allen admitted that Carr’s shoulder started to feel sore towards the end of the game, prompting the decision to replace him with Winston. Despite the offensive struggles, Allen did not consider switching quarterbacks earlier in the game.

“There were a couple of throws that may have fallen short, but I can’t say if it was due to the shoulder or not,” Allen explained.

Allen said the team will assess Carr’s health after the game and determine whether he will start against the New England Patriots next Sunday.

“I’ll do everything I can to prepare for this week and hopefully be ready to practice on Wednesday. If not, then Thursday. I’ll do whatever it takes for our team,” Carr promised.