Carr ready to drive to big things in ‘06

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, May 24, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Houston Texans
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Since entering the NFL in 2002, Houston Texans quarterback David Carr has struggled mightily. He's dealt with people constantly calling him a bust, as he was the No. 1 selection in the '02 Draft. In fact, he was the first pick in the history of the Texans' franchise. How's that for pressure? Pretty daunting, especially since the Texans have gone just 18-46 since their inception.

In his four-year career, Carr has chalked up a below-average 73.7 quarterback rating, and tossed 48 touchdowns compared to 53 interceptions. Thus, his on-field performance has led to vast amounts of critics around the Houston area, many of whom called for his release after last season's disappointing 2-14 campaign.

The Texans, who had the No. 1 overall pick once again last April, were in a position to take local hero Vince Young, who quarterbacked the Texas Longhorns to a National Championship last season. However, former Texans general manager Charley Casserly shot that down by picking up Carr's $8 million buyback bonus earlier in the offseason. The move was devastating for many Texans fans, even though some still believed Young would end up being the pick. Unfortunately for those fans, Casserly shot down those hopes for the second and final time by selecting former NC State defensive end Mario Williams with the team's top pick.

For those Houston fans who still love Young, they can turn their attention to the Tennessee Titans, who selected him No. 3 overall last month. For those Houstonians willing to accept Carr as the face of their franchise, it's time to hop on board for some pleasant surprises. Why? Because Carr has what it takes to be one of the game's elite quarterbacks.

The primary reason Carr has struggled so badly in his first four seasons is thanks to his poor offensive line. In 60 career games Carr has been sacked a whopping 208 times, which averages out to about 3.4 sacks per game. After a rookie season in which Carr was sacked a league-high 76 times, the Texans' line showed some improvement, allowing a manageable 64 sacks in Carr's next 28 games. However, they reverted to their old, turnstile ways last season, giving up a jaw-dropping 68 sacks.

Now that the Texans added two former college stalwarts in last month's draft, Eric Winston and Charles Spencer, the line might be ready to take a turn for the better. Winston starred as the Miami Hurricanes' left tackle in college, while Spencer captained the Pittsburgh Panthers' offensive line for the last couple years. Spencer can play both tackle and guard, but the 352-pounder is expected to play the guard spot in Houston. With these two in the picture, the Texans' line suddenly seems a whole lot more promising.

To go along with his newfound protection, Carr has also gained a viable weapon in the passing game this offseason. Carr's help comes in the form of Eric Moulds, who spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills. All Moulds did was better every receiver in team history except Andre Reed, as he caught 675 career passes. Having Moulds and former Pro Bowler Andre Johnson as his top two receivers should make for big things in the Texans' air attack. Carr, who has been forced to deal with average receiving tandems his entire career, has finally been given a duo of lethal weapons. Johnson's always been terrific, but his ex-partners, such as Jabar Gaffney and Corey Bradford, haven't.

Still not convinced the 26-year-old Carr will do big things next season? Well, just look at his rare physical tools. The 6-3, 220-pounder has terrific size for the position, great athleticism-as evidenced by his 4.8 career yards per carry average, and most importantly, one of the best arms in the business. When given time, Carr's been outstanding. Think of him as a young baseball pitching prospect that just needs to shore up a few things before greatness. Carr has shored those things up, and he seems primed for a big future.

So far, Carr hasn't made many believers, but in due time, he will. Patience is a virtue, Texans fans. You've been patient for four years. Don't panic, though. Positive results will soon come soaring in.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more on David Carr at Realfootball365.com
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