How does the Las Vegas Raiders offense become elite in 2021?
By CJ Errickson
The Raiders’ offensive line in 2020 was devastated by both Covid-19 and injuries, and a man afflicted by both was starting right tackle, Trent Brown. The former All-Pro offensive tackle that signed a 4-year $66 million contract with Las Vegas in 2019 only participated in five games last season.
In four of those matches, he played every snap and showed that he is an elite talent as he did not allow one sack.
Raiders may have to move on from Trent Brown
It is a tough decision to part ways with someone who plays extraordinarily healthy but simply put, the Raiders cannot afford someone that plays in less than 25% of the team’s games. With glaring holes on the defensive side of the football, addition by subtraction may become a reality with the behemoth offensive tackle.
Aside from Brown, 37-year-old left guard Richie Incognito’s future hangs in the balance as well, as he suffered a season-ending Achilles’ injury last season. Incognito is set to become a free agent this offseason, similar to the man who filled in his stead, Denzelle Good.
Good filled in admirably for the Silver and Black last season at both tackle and guard and his value and versatility make it difficult to envision seeing the team part ways with him. Furthermore, offensive tackle Sam Young is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Unlike Denzelle, Young proved to be a liability with both injuries and poor play last season and isn’t expected to be re-signed. With all that being said, the carousel at the offensive line every week made it seemingly difficult for running back Josh Jacobs to develop a rhythm.
Jacobs did make the Pro Bowl team, but he only averaged 3.9 yards per carry last season. Moving forward, stabilizing the offensive line will only benefit everyone on the offense, as the trenches are the lifeblood to any winning organization.