One of the strengths of this team entering the 2020 season was the offensive line. With three Pro Bowl starters and up-and-comer Kolton Miller at left tackle, this was pegged as one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Unfortunately, injuries ravished this offensive line and that really impacted their rushing attack. All season long, offensive line coach Tom Cable had to juggle the starting lineup to find a unit that would work. To his credit, he did a fantastic job getting this group to play at a passable level.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they ranked all 32 offensive lines after 16 games. Not surprisingly, the Raiders finished in the bottom half of the league at No. 24. Here is what the site had to say about the team’s offensive line this year:
“Injuries to Richie Incognito (74 snaps this season) and Trent Brown (282 snaps) really did a number to an offensive line that has talent. Incognito’s spot at left guard was manned by a combination of Denzelle Good and John Simpson, neither of whom reached a PFF pass-blocking grade of 50.0 on the season. Right tackle was held down by a combination of Sam Young, Brandon Parker and Good when Brown wasn’t on the field. Those three earned PFF grades of 59.2, 47.5 and 57.8, respectively. Those two holes hurt the Raiders significantly in 2020.”
Despite all of the injuries, the Raiders did get a good chance of evaluating their depth. Good filled in admirably at left guard and appears to be on his way to developing into a solid starter. Even Simpson showed flashes, especially in Week 17 against the Broncos.
Entering 2021, this unit has the chance to be one of the best in the NFL. They do need Trent Brown to stay healthy to do so, but it’s an incredibly talented group with a solid mix of young players and veterans.. Look for this offensive line to be much improved next year.
