Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood has had a rough preseason. For most of the offseason prior to training camp, many assumed that Leatherwood would be a starter on the right side of the O-line. So far, that seems to be dubious at best.
Leatherwood’s selection last year came under heavy criticism from the moment his name was called. Of course, then general manager Mike Mayock vehemently defended the pick, but most in the media panned it as a reach. Leatherwood’s rookie campaign didn’t do him any favors either. After struggling as a right tackle for the majority of the regular season, he was finally moved inside to the guard slot. However, as most fans recall, Leatherwood had a rough outing in the playoffs against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was on the receiving end of two costly penalties. It was assumed that with Josh McDaniels coming to town, Leatherwood’s struggles would be rectified. Regrettably, that hasn’t been the case.
Alex Leatherwood is struggling against the Miami Dolphins
Today’s third preseason game with the Miami Dolphins was seen as an opportunity for Leatherwood to show he’s improved. Unfortunately, that’s been far from the case. Several beat writers reported during the game that Leatherwood’s pass protection continues to be an issue. The Dolphins are picking on him, and Leatherwood simply can’t respond. Having started the game as the right tackle, it’s clear he’s not ready to take on that role yet.
The Raiders’ O-line has surrendered 11 sacks this preseason as of the time of this publication. The display has been so horrid that Leatherwood has been pulled from the game as of this publication. You can bet that there will be many questions surrounding the offensive lineman after this contest and well into the week.
Raider Nation reacts to Leatherwood struggling
If it wasn’t for first round salaries you might have seen Ferrell and Leatherwood get cut
— Evan Groat (@Egroat5) August 21, 2022
lmao Leatherwood beaten badly again.
Cant wait for the homers in my mentions tomorrow trying to tell me Leatherwood played well lol
— James (@OaklandAboveAll) August 20, 2022
Leatherwood is having a rough one. Had been giving up pressure pretty often and allowed a sack there.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 20, 2022
Jermaine Eluemunor (RT) and Jackson Barton (LT) the new set of tackles for @Raiders.
(Alex Leatherwood struggled tonight, no two ways about it)
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 21, 2022
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Matt Durisk
