Like most teams in the NFL, the Raiders are dealing with a significant amount of injuries heading into Week 4. In their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, they will be without their starting two receivers and multiple starting defenders.
But where the Raiders have been hurt the most this season is on the offensive line. Pro Bowlers Trent Brown and Richie Incognito have missed most of the year with injuries and will not be available for the foreseeable future. While Denzelle Good has filled in admirably for Brown at right tackle, fourth-round pick John Simpson is struggling at left guard.
According to Pro Football Focus, Simpson had another rough performance in Week 3. He finished the contest against New England with a grade of 39.1 and was among the lowest-graded offensive linemen of the week. Here are Sam Monson’s thoughts on the former Clemson offensive lineman:
“Simpson allowed a sack, two hits and a hurry on Derek Carr against the Patriots this week, but was also flagged twice — once for a false start and another declined penalty for illegal hands to the face.
Simpson’s struggles didn’t end in pass protection, as he was also fighting a losing battle in the run game. Deatrich Wise was able to beat him for speed as an undersized threat along the defensive line multiple times in both the run and pass game.”
It typically takes rookie offensive linemen a few weeks to get accustomed to the speed and power of the NFL. With Incognito on the injured reserve list, Simpson is going to get at least two more starts to improve. He will certainly be challenged this week again as he will face a strong Buffalo defensive front.
The Raiders need Simpson to be competent in order for this offense to be successful. So far, that hasn’t been the case.
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