Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Minnesota Vikings

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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

Next Man Up Must Step Up

The bad news for the Raiders this week is that Rodney Hudson, the anchor of Oakland’s resurgent offensive line looks like he is going to miss the game with an ankle sprain. Hudson’s injury means that GM Reggie McKenzie‘s very first draft pick, Tony Bergstrom, will be making the start at center for Oakland.

It’s not something that necessarily fills anybody with an overwhelming sense of confidence as to this point in his career, Bergstrom hasn’t really panned out. He’s not one of Oakland’s best options on the line, but the team is in a pinch so Bergstrom will likely be called upon to pitch in.

Oakland’s offensive line has been a surprise this season. Led by line coach Mike Tice, the Raiders’ line has become one of the best all around units in the league. They do a fantastic job of pass blocking – Carr has only hit the turf eight times this season – and they’ve given him more than enough time to find his receivers and become one of the top quarterbacks in the league. They’ve also done a terrific job of run blocking, allowing Murray to average nearly five yards a carry and become one of the top backs in the league.

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Minnesota isn’t an overpowering unit when it comes to rushing the quarterback, but with 19 sacks on the season, they’re not exactly slouches either.

This offensive line, facing a game without one of their key components for the first time this season si going to need to step up in a big way. If Musgrave runs Murray to the edges like he should, Oakland can survive without Hudson for a game. But the concern is that without Hudson leading this group in pass blocking, Oakland is going to struggle to keep Carr upright and provide him with the time he needs to run the offense.

With Hudson out, the rest of the line is going to need to step up and help Bergstrom out in maintaining their cohesiveness and offensive productivity.

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