For months, there have been questions about the Raiders offensive line and whether it’s good enough to help propel what’s supposed to be a high-powered offense in Las Vegas.
Actually, the chatter began last season, when the group was one of the worst in the NFL. Little was done to improve the situation this offseason, especially during free agency.
So naturally, with superstar defensive ends Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa on deck Week 1 against the Chargers, the questions haven’t gone away.
Quarterback Derek Carr was asked about his “Carr Insurance” when he talked to reporters on Wednesday, and he projected confidence and trust in the group. Plus, Carr knows that no matter who is blocking, the table is set and he has to get the job done, anyway.
“I’ve always had that confidence of just that trust. When it’s been really good or sometimes when it’s been tough,” Carr said Wednesday. “I know that, no matter what that is, I have a job to do. To move the football and things like that.”
Carr went on to compliment offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo and all the work the line has put in to become better. Carr also said he’s excited to watch his new line play as a unit for the first time.
It will help that left tackle Kolton Miller, the Raiders’ best lineman by far, will finally suit up after being held out of the preseason. The Raiders will need him of course, as the Chargers’ front is imposing.
“You’ve got to block two of the best rushers and that’s not even including the inside guys who are unbelievable,” Carr said. “That’s a tall task for anybody. Hats off to the Chargers. They’re loaded everywhere, so we’ve got our work cut out for us.”
When Carr mentioned that some of his past lines were better than others, he wasn’t kidding. The Raiders previous regime put together a stellar offensive line before dismantling it, leaving what we see today.
And while Carr is correct to say he has a job to do no matter what, it seems to me, and to others, that coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler could have done more to provide Carr with proven players up front.
At least Alex Leatherwood and Brandon Parker, last season’s starters on the right side, have been replaced. They were eyesores in 2021, and a danger to Carr’s health in pass protection.
Plus, superstar wide receiver Davante Adams is an expert at getting open fast. Tight end Darren Waller and WR Hunter Renfrow will also provide Carr with quick-throw opportunities.
So the entire team has their work cut out for them against the Chargers, as Carr said. But all eyes will be on the offensive line. Unless they can get the job done, that is. Usually, we only notice the line when it performs poorly. If they can put an end to an offseason’s worth of questions, Carr’s job — to lead a high-powered offense — will be much, much easier.
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