Oakland’s offensive line has been the most consistently performing unit on the team with their defensive counterparts earning some high marks as well. The O-line has protected Jason Campbell like the secret service does the president while pushing around opponents to give Darren McFadden huge holes to run through.

While the D-line has been up and down there is no doubt that when on its game there isn’t a tougher group of defenders to deal with in the league.

Unfortunately that bullying mentality hasn’t translated to all members of the Silver and Black. We’re still waiting for the linebackers to get into the beat-em-up spirit of things.

As a rookie middle linebacker Rolando McClain earned the benefit of the doubt. Not only was he playing one of the more demanding positions in all of football but he was also replacing a highly productive hometown product in Kirk Morrison.

McClain showed steady improvement during his fist lap around the NFL so it seemed only logical his stock would continue to climb during his second season. So far he’s been consistently invisible.

Former Raider turned broadcaster Bill Romanowski knows a thing or two about being a bully and he’s not seeing it in McClain. On CSN Romo called out McClain for his continued disappearing act.

“Rolando McClain, I don’t see him. He’s 6-4, 255. Make some plays. I want to see the guy knock the crap out of some people. Be around the football.”

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Yesterday it was learned that the Raiders could be without Travis Goethel for the rest of the season. Thus the heightened speculation became that the team would reach out to Morrison.

Judging by how long it took Morrison to find a new gig it would appear as if he was looking for an opportunity t start. Buffalo certainly provides him with that chance. There was no way he would have gotten a look at starting in the middle in Oakland. Not with his replacement, Rolando McClain, still getting every opportunity to live up to his draft status.

In what Hue Jackson has described as a “freak” accident Goethel suffered a torn knee ligament on Monday. What makes this injury so freakish is that it occurred without any contact. Just one of those things I suppose. Very Chaz Schilens-esque.

Goethel was expected to be a valuable and versatile contributor on defense. Many, such as myself, even thought he might unseat Quintin Groves at weak side linebacker.

While the Raiders still have other options on the roster to step in for Goethel there is still a very real possibility the team will look to acquire another linebacker on the free agent market. The names of Lofa Tatupu and Kirk Morrison have made the rounds recently. No telling what the next move will be.

For Goethel this is yet another setback for the former Arizona State Sun Devil. As a rookie he impressed enough to earn an expanded role including making his way into the starting lineup at one point. Goethel’s first NFL season was cut short no thanks to a back injury and now today’s news only furthers his frustrations.