What the Oakland Raiders have to build on

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Who?

Many in Raider Nation were butt hurt when left tackle Jared Veldheer followed Carson Palmer to the Arizona Cardinals. But there was nothing to worry about when G.M. Reggie McKenzie signed Donald Penn to replace him. He had a bad year last year due to playing with some injuries but the 2012 Top-100 football player is actually and upgrade over Veldheer.

The Jets blitzing attack only ended up with two sacks yesterday and on those sacks, Penn’s man remained right in front of him. Penn faced all of the best edge pass-rushers the Jets had to offer and he gave a sack up to none of them. So right now, it looks like the Raiders have the 2012 version instead of the 2013 version of Penn at left tackle.

With Penn looking like he’s back to form now, Texans defensive end J.J Watt has a good match-up waiting for him.