Preview and Prediction: Oakland Raiders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Austin Gayle
Derek Carr to Benefit From Clean Pocket
The Raiders’ offensive line — led by veteran offensive tackle Donald Penn — has bullied opposing defenses with their ability to keep quarterback Derek Carr upright and have dominated the line of scrimmage while paving the way for their running backs.
The Buccaneers’ front seven is next on the hit list.
Prior to his three-year stint in Oakland, Penn spent nine seasons with the Buccaneers, but even though his experience in Tampa Bay was positive, he isn’t planning to show any remorse to his former team on Sunday.
"“It’s good to be back out here,” Penn said, via Raiders.com. “Got to see a couple of my old friends, old teammates and old guys. It’s going to be kind of weird. I’ve never walked into Raymond James Stadium from the visitor side. It’s going to be something new. Looking forward to seeing some of the old guys that still play on the team. I’m just trying to go out there and come out with a win.”"
In order for Penn and company to come away with the win against the Buccaneers, the Raiders must win the battle in the trenches to allow Carr to find his rhythm early, a feat that should come easy against Tampa Bay’s underwhelming edge-rushers.
Robert Ayers and William Gholston — the Buccaneers’ starting defensive ends — have combined for just two sacks this season and have failed to create constant pressure on the quarterback all season.
Working from a clean pocket, Carr should have a much easier time delivering the ball accurately and on time to his star receivers on the outside.