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Oakland Raiders: A Few Reasons For Optimism, A Few Reasons for Concern

By Kevin Saito

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans as the San Diego Chargers line up during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans as the San Diego Chargers line up during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) huddles with guard Gabe Jackson (66) and tackle Donald Penn (72) and running back Latavius Murray (28) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncosat Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Optimism: That Offensive Line

Oakland’s offensive line performed pretty well, all things considered, last season. Pro Football Focus had them pegged as the league’s sixth best offensive line in 2015 – a pretty heady accomplishment after the disaster that line has been for quite a long time.

With praise being heaped on the line for the job they did last season – and their help in Derek Carr making a big leap forward in 2015 – GM Reggie McKenzie went out and made the offensive line even better.

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Snagging arguably, the best lineman on the open market – Kelechi Osemele – was something of a coup for the Raiders. Taken from a different perspective, it showed that Oakland was becoming an attractive free agent destination once again.

From a more practical perspective though, adding Osemele to what was a pretty beastly offensive line in 2015 gives the Raiders some serious muscle up front. A line that features crafty and solid veterans in Donald Penn and Rodney Hudson, one of the bright young guards in the league in Gabe Jackson, and a solid right tackle – be it Austin Howard or Menelik Watson – along with Osemele is going to be one nasty, scrappy unit that has a serious attitude.

The offensive line is going to set the tone for the Raiders’ offense this season. They are charged with protecting Carr and giving him the time he needs to operate, as well as blowing open holes for the running game. And it’s a task they all seem to be relishing.

If Oakland’s offense is going to build on the successes they had last season, it’s going to start up front. And the Raiders now boast a unit that can seemingly go head to head with anybody in the league.

Next: Not Enough Maulers Up Front?

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