Patriots Shatter Bills, Eagles Demonstrate Super Bowl Aspirations: Analyzing Week 7 of the NFL Season

Sports Seriously’s Mackenzie Salmon provides a unique and creative perspective on the key storylines emerging from Week 7 of the NFL season.

Unveiling the True Significance of Derek Carr’s Outburst

Derek Carr, the New Orleans Saints quarterback, garnered attention for his repeated shouting at teammates during the team’s recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, what many failed to comprehend was the broader implications of his actions – implications that extend beyond a mere player expressing frustration.

Carr’s dissatisfaction with his teammates, particularly his outburst at Chris Olave for running the wrong route, raised eyebrows and questioned his behavior on the field. Reflecting on his actions, Carr admitted, “I’ve been showing my emotion a little bit too much on my sleeve…I can do a better job as a leader to calm everybody down.”

What makes Carr’s behavior noteworthy is the rarity of quarterbacks publicly vocalizing their discontent. Most quarterbacks shoulder the blame even when it isn’t warranted. The Saints’ players, for example, refrained from publicly blaming Carr every time he made an error (which happened frequently).

However, this isn’t the first instance of Carr publicly berating someone. He previously yelled at his offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael, during a sideline outburst in their loss to the Houston Texans. Despite claiming that his anger was not aimed at Olave, it was evident that Carr’s actions contradicted his statement.

Double Standards and the Impact on Black Athletes

While football players, like anyone else, can experience anger and engage in heated exchanges, Carr’s behavior remains exceptional even in that context. What’s more intriguing is the lack of public criticism labeling Carr as selfish or a jerk. Instead, he is often portrayed as a competitive player dedicated to improving the team. His actions as a bad teammate are largely ignored and overlooked.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the racial bias at play in these perceptions. Had Carr been a Black player, the repercussions would have been far more severe. The media’s coverage would include segments targeting Black athletes, such as “Where Are The Black Fathers?” The same applies to Black coaches – they would face intense scrutiny and criticism if they shouted at players the way Alabama coach Nick Saban does.

This double standard exists both on and off the field. LeBron James once provided a hypothetical scenario, highlighting the differing reactions he and Tom Brady would receive if interrupted during a family dinner for a photo. Black athletes are expected to exhibit flawless behavior, and any display of imperfection is viewed as problematic.

Recognizing the Discrepancy in Perceptions

This column may incite anger, but it reveals an uncomfortable truth. The differential treatment of Black players and coaches becomes evident when comparing Carr’s actions to those of Lamar Jackson, a Black quarterback. If Jackson were to publicly belittle his teammates with the same frequency, he would not be considered a competitive teammate but rather selfish and troublesome.

Historical examples, such as Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson, further illustrate this pattern of bias. Owens, despite being a dedicated player who rarely encountered off-field issues, was consistently labeled a cancer due to his disputes with teammates. Similar treatment was observed for Odell Beckham Jr. and other Black athletes of color.

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John Smith

ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.