The Las Vegas Raiders offensive line was a barren wasteland in 2018. Things were much better last season and offensive line coach Tom Cable combined with an infusion of talent were the main reasons why the unit saw a resurgence last year.
After being let go by the Seahawks, Cable joined the Raiders coaching staff in 2018. That year, the Raiders struggled at all phases of the game and their offensive line was no different. That unit allowed 51 sacks and was barely a factor in the run game, getting pushed around on a constant basis. First round pick Kolton Miller was ineffective because of injuries. Veterans Donald Penn and Kelechi Osemele, and Gabe Jackson had to miss games as well. Finally, third round selection Brando Parker was rushed into action but was overwhelmed. Something had to change and it did.
The only player in the offensive line that had a superb performance in 2018 was Rodney Hudson, who has been a constant in the offensive line playing at an elite level year in and year out.
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Winds of Change…
Last season, Penn was released, Osemele was sent packing to the Jets, and the Raiders added Trent Brown and Richie Incognito in free agency. Also, Miller was finally healthy and gained weight, something that he wasn’t able to do the year before. There was a day and night difference in the Raiders offensive line performance.
Miller saw his pressures and sacks go from 65 and 16 down to 37 and seven respectively. Brown stabilized the right tackle position while Incognito took over the right guard spot after a two game suspension. Jackson wasn’t an All-Pro by any means but was serviceable when he played. The same goes for reserve guard Denzelle Good when he saw the field.
Renewed Stability…
Other than maybe Jackson, there won’t likely be any changes to the offense line this upcoming season, and if the veteran guard is traded, Good can take his place. Knowing that, the aforementioned Good and Incognito signed contracts in the offseason to remain with the team while Hudson, Miller, and Brown will continue to remain a staple of the unit.
For at least one more year, the Raiders will have continuity in their offensive line. If the team returns to relevance, its offensive line will be one of the reasons why.
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