A Firm Foundation for the Oakland Raiders

It’s great having an X's-and-O's coach who understands how to build a winning team. It’s not always about flashy players, big names, and even bigger egos. Instead Mr. Davis and coach Cable have thus far focused their off-season efforts on enhancing the offensive line, the foundation of any good team.

Out of five offseason acquisitions, Khalif Barnes, Erik Pears, and Samson Satele are offensive linemen. Also, of the six Raiders resigned, Chris Morris and Cooper Carlisle are on the OL. These were all good moves, but by no means do they give us a dominating, permanent offensive line.   

Admittedly, the Raiders have to address needs at other positions, but it would be prudent to continue the good off-season work and acquire one or two more key linemen, considering:

• Khalif Barnes only signed a one-year contract with the Raiders.

• Cornell Green’s domestic battery arrest is likely to draw a league suspension.
• Paul McQuistan, a fan favorite due to his mean streak, is coming back from a serious knee injury and may not be 100 percent.
• The production provided by John Wade (age 34), Cornell Green (age 32) and Cooper Carlisle (age 31) may be diminishing.
• One of the three premier OT prospects in the draft, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith, or Michael Oher should be available when we draft seventh.  

We could select Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin with our seventh pick, but how will this benefit the team overall, considering we already have several stars at skill positions on offense?  Will adding a star WR create synergy with them?

In my opinion, investing in premier OL players will more dramatically improve the team, and make our current stars shine even brighter. Here’s why:

• Last year our running backs were often hit in the backfield or strung out at the line, due to our inadequacy at line of scrimmage. Imagine a future where Justine Fargas breaks through the line cleanly over four times a game with his hell-bent-for-leather running style, daring DBs to get in his way.  Picture Darren McFadden breaking through the line cleanly four or more times a game and making the defense try and tackle him in open space down field. Highlight reel stuff!

• Last year’s 10th rated rushing attack was a tribute to our players and the zone blocking scheme, but only resulted in nine rushing TDs. A line that can consistently pop Michael Bush through in short yardage situations results in first downs, rushing TDs, and keeps our opponents on the sideline where they belong!
• JaMarcus Russell would benefit tremendously by having more time to set up in the pocket and read through his progressions. It would also give him better opportunities to spot openings and scramble for first downs.
• Zack Miller would be freed up to range down-field earlier and not have to stick around and help with the blocking as much.  

The Raiders will undoubtedly address needs in other key positions, including WR, S, DT, DE, and OLB, but I hope they continue to pursue enhancements to the OL. These investments build a firm foundation for future success, and allow our current offensive stars to shine even brighter.