The Las Vegas Raiders were hoping to improve their offensive line this season under the tutelage of coach Rick Dennison. They also signed Tyler Linderbaum to a record-setting deal to help solidify the center position, and he was supposed to be both a multiplier and a connector.
Week 1 saw this experiment start strong, with the Raiders dominating both in the run and pass game. The offensive line looked in tune and was a force to be reckoned with, helping them get their first win of the season. However, since then, the group has struggled, especially the interior.
Jackson Powers-Johnson was benched for Caleb Rogers in Week 6 after he struggled at right guard. Rogers hasn’t fared much better, struggling in the run game and unable to get any push up front. Now, it could be Trey Zuhn III's turn at right guard in Week 8, if reports are true.
The most disappointing player has been Linderbaum himself. He had a horrid Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills, and outside of that, Raider Nation hasn't seen the star center they expected after the offseason signing.
Raiders are looking for answers on the interior offensive line
Klint Kubiak has been searching for answers over the past few weeks; the lineup changes aren’t working, and he may have to turn to the rookie Zuhn, who has never played guard in the NFL. Kubiak isn’t just blaming the lineman and thinks they need an all-around effort to fix the run game, though.
“It’s a team thing. We can all do things better: running backs, fullbacks, offensive line. It’s a team thing. We’re definitely focusing on different things with each player, but we can all improve.
Of course, Zuhn could spark this turnaround. Zuhn has played as an extra lineman the last few weeks with solid results, and Kubiak believes he can play multiple positions, so he got a shot at right guard in practice this week.
“I’ve seen a guy who, since the day he got here, has been a Swiss Army knife. He can play so many positions. He’s a very intelligent, hardworking player who’s still ascending and still getting better, and he’ll have his chance.”
If the Raiders make this move, it could signal that they are done with Powers-Johnson. He and Rogers haven't been able to get it done with their performance. However, Las Vegas has to pick a lineup going forward to build continuity across the offensive line for now and in the future.
Should Zuhn not work out, the Raiders will be in trouble for the rest of the season. They need the running game to keep succeeding offensively. If they don't, this four-game losing streak could get uglier and longer.
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