Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders: 3 things we learned
Kolton Miller and Donald Penn have solidified the tackle spots
It was only just a few weeks ago that we started to see Donald Penn get looks at right tackle. It was an early indication that first round pick Kolton Miller was going to anchor the left tackle position.
The question that begged to ask was if this tinkering would work out in the regular season? Penn had never played right tackle unless it was necessary. With Miller, it was all about if he was ready to be in a starting role already.
After last night’s game, I’d say it’s pretty safe to say they both have solidified the tackle spots. They both held their own fairly well against this vaunted Rams defensive line. They fact that they played well against the Rams gives us a measuring stick on how they’ve progressed.
It’s amazing to see Donald Penn quickly adjust and adapt at right tackle. Let’s not forget that he also was missing in action all training camp with an injury. He was pretty much thrown into the fire at right tackle with little reps and minimal conditioning. His long tenure in the league definitely showed with this impressive adaptation.
In his first professional start at right tackle, Donald Penn played all 74 snaps and allowed two quarterback pressures (no sacks), per @PFF.
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) September 11, 2018
Kolton allowed just two hurries in his first NFL start.
I’m really shocked that Miller and Penn didn’t allow a single sack. Thought it would be a given that one of them would get beat for one because this is the Rams we’re talking about. When it comes to Miller, you have to give credit to his work ethic and this coaching staff for getting him ready for this game.
A lot was going to get thrown at him and Penn since they’re both relatively new. Now these two are going to have to keep this momentum going for the rest of the season. It continues next week when they have to face Von Miller and the Denver Broncos in Mile High.