Oakland Raiders Offensive Line Now a Strength

Sep 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski (61) prepares to hike to quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) at the line of scrimmage against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Stefen Wisniewski 

We start with Stephen Wisniewski because he is the center this offensive line is built around. He’s 6’3″, 320 pounds and has the power and technique to handle big, nasty nose tackles one on one. That was on display against big, bad Casey Hampton of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 on a play designed up the middle.

He met Hampton to a stalemate then simply turned him as McFadden went 65-yards for a touchdown through his hole. When a center can handle a nose tackle one on one, the guard can proceed on the the linebacker, while the fullback can clean anything else up. When a runnig back with the speed of McFadden has that type of situation, he usually goes to the house with it.

This is a good portion of why I know the Raiders are going to run the ball well this year as the Raiders will see a some of 3-4 fronts. When they face the 4-3, the Raiders have guards that can handle defensive tackles and Wisniewski has the ability to go get linebackers himself. That creates the same situation as facing the 3-4 as a healthy McFadden gets to go to the house against either front.

He’s also smart with making protection calls and pass-blocks well, expect a productive season for the center with better talent around him and more continuity on the offensive line in the future.