The Facts: Carr didn't get to finish out his MVP-caliber season after snapping his leg. Yet the quarterback's drastic improvement the past two seasons led to an offseason change at coordinator. With Todd Downing's work as QB coach earning him buzz around the league, HC Jack Del Rio declined to bring back Bill Musgrave -- whose contract was expiring -- and instead elevated Downing to OC. The 36-year-old takes over an offense that ranked No. 6 in total offense and No. 7 in scoring offense in 2016. Downing noted he wouldn't make changes to the offense "just for change's sake."
Diehards Line:
While there might be very subtle changes to the offense, the intimate relationship between Downing and Carr inevitably leads to discussions about how elevating the QB coach to OC will give the quarterback more power. Downing downplayed the line of scrimmage duties Carr will obtain while noting that the franchise quarterback will have a stronger voice in building the game plan. "There's been a lot made about his command at the line of scrimmage. There's certainly going to be opportunities for Derek to do that," Downing said. "I look forward to him really taking charge of expressing his thoughts on the offense. ..." Being in total sync with their play caller is something that separates the elite QBs from the pack. It sounds like Carr will get a chance to take a step in that direction.