Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins: 5 takeaways from Week 3
Donald Penn at right tackle is a work in progress
When the Raiders drafted left tackle Kolton Miller with their first round draft pick, it spelled the beginning of the end for the incumbent Donald Penn. That only came more apparent with Miller’s impressive preseason and Penn’s absence from camp due to injury.
Now that we have seen three games it is easier to make the judgement that Penn was unable to simply switch sides like many thought he would. Last week against Denver he missed a block that led to the blocked pat that proved to be costly.
This week against Miami, Penn was struggling and eventually left the game with a concussion. Needless to say, he has not been any sort of revelation on the offensive line. Actually, he has been more of a liability.
T.J. Clemmings, who was claimed off of waivers prior to Week 1, came in to replace Penn and was less than convincing. He settled in after a rough start, but he does not seem like the long-term answer for the Raiders. Once he is healthy, it may be time to see the other rookie tackle Brandon Parker. Regardless, if Penn doesn’t put it together soon, he will be on the outside looking in.