Las Vegas Raiders: 3 reasons why the offense will be top-10 in 2020
By Brad Weiss
Entire offensive line is returning in 2020
During the 2019 offseason, the Raiders made an eyebrow-raising play for Richie Incognito, who was out of football since 2017, and would likely face a suspension if a team signed him. Well, the Raiders inked him to a one-year deal, and he had to sit out the first four games, but once he got into the starting lineup, he was back to being a Pro Bowl guard.
This offseason, Mayock signed Incognito to a two-year contract, bringing back one of Derek Carr’s protectors at guard. After the team drafted Clemson star John Simpson in the 2020 NFL Draft, many felt Incognito’s partner on the left side, Gabe Jackson, would be released, but the team decided to bring the entire offensive line back.
That is great news for Carr, who enters his seventh season as the Raiders starter, and his third under Jon Gruden. In addition to Incognito and Jackson, the Raiders also have the best overall center in football, as well as a Pro Bowl right tackle in Trent Brown, and an emerging star in left tackle Kolton Miller.
Rodney Hudson is absolutely elite at center, and has not allowed a sack since the 2017 season. INjuries are always an issue up front, but the depth the Raiders have on the offensive line is better than it has been in years, so Carr should be more than comfortable standing in the pocket, and taking shots down the field in 2020.