The offensive line has been a revolving door for the Raiders this offseason. They just quite haven’t figured out a rotation and a group that works. But now, it’s starting to actively hurt them in games.
Derek Carr was sacked five times on Sunday and was pressured all game long. The Raiders used seven different offensive linemen, but they are still searching for their five best. So how does the group compare with the rest of the league?
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they ranked all 32 offensive lines after Week 1. Not surprisingly, the Raiders did not great out particularly well, coming in at No. 28. However, they seemed to be optimistic that the unit can improve as the season goes on:
“There’s a potentially viable starting five somewhere on the Raiders’ depth chart, but they don’t seem to have quite stumbled upon the combination yet. The team used seven linemen against the Chargers, with rookie Dylan Parham earning playing time at guard and fellow rookie Thayer Munford working in at right tackle.
Parham, in particular, played well and has an excellent college resume. If the Raiders turn to him as the full-time starter at right guard, they could climb the rankings quickly.”
Parham is likely to start in Week 2 as he was arguably their best offensive lineman last week. If he can hold down one of the guard spots, it means they could potentially replace John Simpson, who is their weakest link.
Nobody expected the offensive line to be dominant this season. But that group needs to improve as the year goes on. Week 2 against the Cardinals will be another good test for this unit.
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