The checkdown is often considered a dirty word when it comes to quarterbacking in football.
Often, quarterbacks who check the ball down are referred to as a ”Checkdown Charlie” or “Captain Checkdown.” Checkdowns are basically bail outs that give the quarterback a second chance to make a positive play. Every quarterback uses it, but coaches don’t want them to overly rely on the strategy.
In recent a study by Pro Football Focus over the last two years, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has checked down 9.5 percent of the third. It is the third-most in the NFL — and the most of any quarterback who was a constant starter the past two years.