Oakland Raiders: Looking at Position Battles After Preseason Week Two

Sept. 16, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) and tackle Khalif Barnes (69) against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 35-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Barnes Trying to Hold on

There’s a battle brewing at left guard between Khalif Barnes and Gabe Jackson that I didn’t realize at first. In the beginning, thought Jackson was a steal in the third round and part of overhauling the offensive line outside of center Stefen Wisniewski. But then I saw where offensive coordinator Greg Olson told Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Gate, “He  [Barnes] has the fountain of youth going. He’s really doing a good job. Plus he’s a good mentor to Gabe.”

So after thinking that’s it for Jackson, he pops up rotating with Barnes at left guard with the ones. Then after looking back at the preseason opener, I  gave Round 1 to Jackson for pushing his man back and finding his man when he pulled in the run game. Barnes would catch the impact his man and get driven backwards and when pulling or on screens, he threw no-hitters.  (didn’t hit anyone)

There was nothing reported about the two from the practices but Jackson must have done something to get in the rotation. So after winning the first two rounds 10-9, the two had an even round Friday as the Raiders passed more. They were both good in base pass protection but Barnes was thrown in the run game and Jackson missed a stunt, getting the quarterback hit once while excelling at run blocking.