Oakland Raiders Held Hostage by Offensive Line

Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) tackles Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

Howard playing right guard when he could be playing at Pro Bowl level at right tackle is the worst decision the Raiders made this year. McFadden’s numbers down and Carr doesn’t have time to get the ball down the field because Howard is getting beat. This decision has turned a good player bad and allowed a player that isn’t ready (Watson) on the field.

Most NFL teams are right handed and line their tight end up on the right side most of the time. So naturally, the team runs to that side most of the time and good running teams are good at running to the strong side. But the Raiders have a right side that doesn’t run block well and tight end Mychal Rivera is one of them so there’s nothing over there.

Then Carr has a hard time throwing the ball down the field because he has pressure from that side right in his face. So not being able to run creates 3rd-and-longs and pressure creates check the ball down or incomplete passed that get the offense off the field. Then the defense has to stay on the field and have the most plays in the league run against it and they give up points.

The offensive line is holding the team hostage and it doesn’t have to be that way.

Just win baby!