Did Carr Make The Best Choice?

David Carr’s arrival in Carolina creates an interesting situation to watch at quarterback. 

Jake Delhomme remains the starter going into training camp and likely into the regular season, but is now under a lot of pressure following a subpar year in 2006.  With Carr now in the picture, the Panthers have an experienced backup the Panthers can turn to if Delhomme struggles again this season. 

Delhomme has always brought a spark to the Panthers’ offense, but struggled trying to do too many things without much support around him. 

Carr was also looking closely at signing with Seattle, which could have been a better career option for the long-term. 

Carr could likely have an opportunity to start at some point this season in Carolina, but will be faced with similar problems in Carolina like he was in Houston.  The offensive line situation is a little better in Carolina, but they face some uncertainty with a couple starters coming off serious injuries including left tackle Travelle Wharton. 

The running game is a huge question mark with durability questions surrounding Deshaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams.  And they lack ideal depth in the passing game behind Steve Smith.  That means Carr could be in the habit of forcing plays again in Carolina without great support. 

If Carr would have gone to Seattle, the only chance to start is if Matt Hasselbeck goes down with an injury again.  But Carr would have been in a better long-term situation with Seattle.  Carr needs to take a step back and rebuild his game.  His mechanics have always been a little sloppy and he’s developed some bad habits working in a tough situation with Houston.  He needs time to clear his head.  That’s why I believe working with Mike Holmgren in Seattle for a year or two would have been a great situation for him.  Holmgren does a tremendous job working with quarterbacks, which would have been invaluable to Carr for the long-term.  Holmgren would have worked on cleaning up some bad habits with Carr and show him how to fit within a good offensive system. 

In Carolina, Carr may start at some point this season and struggle like he did in Houston, which further damages his stock for the long-term.

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