Derek Carr has a unique method for tuning out distractions, and his helmet trick recently caught the attention of his New Orleans Saints teammate, Taysom Hill.
As it turns out, Carr employs a simple yet effective technique to block out the noise and maintain focus in loud environments. He applies tape over the ear holes on his helmet, and the reason behind this is to enhance his ability to hear the play being relayed to him through the helmet radio.
This intriguing practice was highlighted in a viral video captured by NFL reporter Arye Pulli of The Sports Place, where Carr explained the purpose to Hill.
“That’s to block out any noise, so I can hear it clear,” Carr told Hill.
“You’ve always done that?” Hill inquired.
“You need to do it, brother,” Carr advised. “You need to do that.”
Hill admitted that he had never been aware of this tactic of covering the ear holes, and Carr went on to share that it particularly aided him in dealing with the cacophonous atmosphere at a certain venue where he played each season during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“In Kansas City, you can hear everything — the whole play,” Carr disclosed.
After several years competing against the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos in the AFC West, Carr is now experiencing his first NFC South matchup on Monday.
The Saints’ clash with the Carolina Panthers marks Carr’s inaugural official NFC South division game with the New Orleans team.
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Carr, however, will be looking to uphold his unblemished record against the Panthers, as he boasts a 2-0 record against them. In his first encounter on November 27, 2016, Carr completed 26 of 38 passes for 315 yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling 35-32 victory over the Panthers. Four years later, in the 2020 season opener, Carr went 22 of 30 for 239 yards and one touchdown in a 34-30 road win to kick off the season.
The Saints currently hold a 29-28 record against the Panthers, but Carolina has claimed victory in three of the last four meetings, including a sweep of the regular-season series last year.
