Oakland Raiders: Notes And Observations From Week Eight
By Kevin Saito
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) takes the snap from offensive lineman Rodney Hudson (61) in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Offensive Line Is Getting It Done
Coming into the season, most of the experts were forecasting gloom and doom for the Raiders for – among other things – having an offensive line that wasn’t expected to perform well at all.
While a line consisting of Donald Penn, Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson, Austin Howard, and J’Marcus Webb may not strike fear into the hearts of – well – anybody really, that line has come together and has been dominant.
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Oakland’s offensive line has quietly become one of the best units in the league and has blown expectations out of the water – just like the team has. They have given up the fourth fewest sacks in the league with 10 total – only the Jets, Washington, and the Bengals have given up fewer. Carr has only been sacked eight times total, with backup Matt McGloin taking two in the season opener against Cincinnati.
Not only are they one of the best pass blocking units in the league, they’ve also blown open holes big enough to allow Latavius Murray to average 4.6 yards per carry – and the team as a whole to average 4.3 yards per carry.
Part of the reason that Carr and the offensive skill players have been so electric is that the line has been that dominant. The receivers have the time they need to get to where they need to be and Carr has the time to stand in the pocket and deliver a strike to them.
Mike Tice has done an outstanding job of taking the disparate parts who make up the offensive line for Oakland and cobbling together a unit that has been dominant. Though they were believed to be a weakness coming into the season, they have become one of this team’s strengths.
Next: Having A Breakthrough