Quarterback Derek Carr became so enraged after losing four of the previous five games, including the final two by seven points, that he occasionally lost control of the ball in the final two games. Carr also thought the New Orleans Saints offense might be even more effective than it has.

As the Saints (3-4) get ready to take on the Colts (3-4) at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis on Sunday, Carr acknowledged on Wednesday that he is a better self-expressor than he has occasionally been.

“I know what’s good for me, and I know when I’m in a good place, and I know when I’m too frustrated with whatever,” he stated. “I wasn’t even talking to (offensive coordinator) Pete (Carmichael), but everyone believed I was yelling at him once. Everyone had the same thought, or this thought, or I’m angry about that or angry about this.

“Dude, when I first entered the league ten years ago, every quarterback was swearing at everyone.” And now since I haven’t even cursed at anyone, everyone assumes that I’m angry with them all. Thus, it’s clear that things are changing. The gray hairs in my beard and the way people become agitated when they hear a quarterback holler are two ways I can tell.

But I do need to control my feelings. If I’m being really honest, I believe that I’ve let the disappointment of losing overcome me. Normally, I’m very optimistic despite mistakes. However, I also recognize our potential, and I refuse to lower my standards for myself and my teammates’ performance. However, I believe there is a better method.”

The Saints are ranked 17th in the league with 326 yards per game and 21st in the league with 19 points per game. The Saints’ red zone percentage (37.5) of 9 out of 24 is tied for 28th place.

Carr said he was aware that the operation would not go smoothly at first, but the degree of inconsistency has been a little more than anticipated. A few communication hiccups have occurred between him and receiver Chris Olave.

“We were aware that there might be hiccups in this early on. Though there would undoubtedly be some setbacks along the way, we simply didn’t anticipate having just this many victories at this time,” he remarked. “We’re basically going over those topics of how to address problems.

“After the Jacksonville game, I made the statement that I was too emotional at the time. I’ve had such a strong desire to be flawless from the start. I am not in Year 2, I am in Year 10. I have this preconceived notion of how it ought to be, but I’ve got to learn to control my emotions and simply communicate more effectively. I clarified the instances in which I erred in terms of expression and other such things.

“To be honest, I think that (Olave) might have been the victim of something that wasn’t really about him, but perhaps there is another way to approach such situations. In a similar vein, during my career, coaches and players have yelled at me. However, you go on to discuss it.

“Football is a rough and aggressive sport. Things will happen when there are emotions present. Rich Bisaccia did teach me one thing, though: always be sure to come back. You can have that moment. Additionally, I felt that Chris was in a good place because our chats had been so fruitful and positive. Where he’s at, I enjoy it. He had a fantastic mindset and performed some amazing plays today.”

Currently an assistant head coach and special teams coordinator with the Packers, Bisaccia was the Raiders’ interim head coach from 2018 to 21 in addition to his previous roles as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach.

Carr claimed that following the Jacksonville loss, he stewed for 15 to 18 hours before contacting teammates.

“I was Face-timing all the guys on offense, all the leaders,” he stated. “We are making demands of one another. We are supporting each other. Iron sharpens iron. Let’s talk about it and stop hiding; there’s no need to keep it to ourselves.

“What issue do you have? What’s wrong with me? What issue do we have? How can we make it right? And handle it like a man. The main thing that I think I took away was that for the past four or five days, I felt a sense of solidarity. This solidarity, this coming together. We made our point, said what needed to be said, and everyone felt good about ending the discussion. Every discussion began with the phrase “That feels right.” That seems appropriate. Hold me to that now. I’ll make sure you adhere to that.

“I thought that was really encouraging, and it was really wonderful. What I appreciate about it is that we’re doing it together.”