2018 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Week 2: Pretenders start to fall

By Randy Gurzi | Sep 11, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings and Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers greet each other on the field after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders signals against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

16. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

It was a tale of two halves for Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders. They came out in the late Monday Night Football game full of adrenaline and took an early lead on the Rams. They kept that small lead, 13-10, through the half. Then it got ugly.

L.A. beat them up and exposed Carr. The final score was 33-13 and Carr ended the game with 303 yards, but three interceptions and no touchdowns. It’s hard to envision the relationship between him and Jon Gruden ending nicely — especially after such an ugly start.

15. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

After going 7-0 as a starter in his career — and 5-0 with the San Francisco 49ers — Jimmy Garoppolo was given a huge $137.5 million contract over five seasons. On Sunday, he didn’t look like he deserved that much.

It’s only one game, and he did play against a great Vikings defense, but it looked really bad, Garoppolo threw three picks and as just 15-of-33 passing on the day. Since joining the Niners now he has eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. He may prove the contract was the right move eventually, but he has to find a way to better protect the ball.

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