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790SFS · #1 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2010

Quote:

The Oakland Raiders had a great offseason.

They addressed key issues on both sides of the ball. Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski will compete for the starting job at QB, though many fans and media believe the job is already Jason Campbell's. Rolando McClain will be inserted to anchor the defense. Lamarr Houston adds talent and versatility to an already talented defense.

But there is one issue that wasn't addressed very well, and I expect it to be a headache once again in 2010... the offensive line.

Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell were drafted in the middle rounds and are expected to be back-ups for their rookie seasons. Other than that, nothing has been done to help this unit.

Using the addition by subtraction theory, Cornell Green has been released and is now being overpaid in Buffalo.

The Raiders front five currently looks like this: (from left to right) Mario Henderson, Robert Gallery, Samson Satele, Cooper Carlisle, and Khalif Barnes.

Gallery is the best lineman, but he played only six games last season, Barnes was injured last year in training camp, Satele was overpowered by nose tackles, Carlisle is getting old, and Henderson is inconsistent.

Now there is a lighter side to this group.

Gallery was never as injury prone before 2009, Henderson is still developing, Carlisle is a proven veteran, Barnes is hungry for playing time (although he'd rather be a left tackle), and Satele is a good, athletic run blocker.

However, the biggest difference will be the new QB. Mario Henderson said it was nice to have a guy throw the ball on time and have mobility, referring to the addition of Jason Campbell.

Nevertheless, there is still another question mark. How will Hue Jackson's power running plays work with a group that Tom Cable assembled for zone blocking?

The Raiders were terrible on offense before Cable introduced zone blocking under Lane Kiffin in 2007. That gave the Raiders a Top 10 rushing offense, but some, if not a lot of credit, should go to Justin Fargas.

The Raiders had opportunities to add to this group and they still do, as Flozell Adams is a free agent and Marcus McNeil wants a trade from San Diego.

I doubt that the Raiders will add many more free agents or make any big-time trades with OTA's over and training camp only six weeks away. I guess we'll just have to hope and pray that this offensive line has improved over the offseason.

VERY TRUE!

SnakeBuck · #2 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2010

That's a downer! I forgot that the Raiders still need to address this problem with our OL. We may have to be more of a running team until we can get someone to protect our QB.

chudezee · #3 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2010

I guess with all the acquisitions we've made, it kind of put some air in the balloon. This writer just reminded us that the balloon is in a room full of needles.......

DnvrRaider · #4 (**permalink**) June 18th, 2010

Ya, well don't forget what Henderson saying that with Campell if it's a 5 step drop he knows he takes 5 steps, a seven step drop, he takes seven. I think a lot of times Russell just wasn't where he was supposed to be and made the line look a lot worse. I do agree though that the right side needs help though.

skiplocz · #5 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2010

While I think the line could probably use some help and the rookies could always step up, they didn't look as bad when Russell wasn't playing. That guy was the opposite of rhythm he found a way to make the entire offense miss fire on nearly every play.

If we can establish a strong running game and help our line by moving the capable Campbell around a bit we should be serviceable. I'd also like to see more quick hits in the passing game trying to get McFadden more involved from the slot or something to keep the chains moving and keep the pressure off a shaky line.

Lets hope Hue Jackson can get these boys to fight it out and win some games.

DarkDays · #6 (**permalink**) June 19th, 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiplocz

While I think the line could probably use some help and the rookies could always step up, they didn't look as bad when Russell wasn't playing. That guy was the opposite of rhythm he found a way to make the entire offense miss fire on nearly every play.

If we can establish a strong running game and help our line by moving the capable Campbell around a bit we should be serviceable. I'd also like to see more quick hits in the passing game trying to get McFadden more involved from the slot or something to keep the chains moving and keep the pressure off a shaky line.

Lets hope Hue Jackson can get these boys to fight it out and win some games.

YES Skip long time great to have you

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