PFF: Raiders’ Struggling O-Linemen Have Turned a Corner in the Last 2 Games

The right side of the Raiders’ offensive line has been one of the negative storylines around the team all year, but in the last two weeks it seems like Alex Leatherwood and Brandon Parker have both elevated their play.

Last week, Leatherwood received his best pass-protection grade of the year from Pro Football Focus, and this week he posted his highest run-blocking grade of the year.

As for Parker, he was the Raiders’ highest-graded offensive player against the Broncos and was especially dominant as a run blocker. Without question, the Raiders’ running game is what changed the course of the game in the second half – and it happened against one of the better defenses in the NFL.

Anthony Galaviz on Twitter: “#Raiders right tackle Brandon Parker graded out an 85.8 in 69 snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus. His run blocking grade was a 90.4.Parker’s previous highest overall grade was an 85.0 in Week 11. / Twitter”

Raiders right tackle Brandon Parker graded out an 85.8 in 69 snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus. His run blocking grade was a 90.4.Parker’s previous highest overall grade was an 85.0 in Week 11.

The Raiders have been lacking an identity since the loss of Jon Gruden and Henry Ruggs, but if the last two weeks are any indication, they might have found the formula to be an effective running team.

The other pleasant surprise right now is that the Raiders seem to have remembered how to play defense. After giving up 48 points to the Chiefs in week 14, the Raiders have given up only 33 combined points in the last two games. The opponents haven’t been great, but several depleted rosters around the league have surprised this year and wins almost never come easy in the NFL.

Next week, the Raiders are in line to face another team that may have serious roster issues related to COVID-19. If the Raiders can stay healthy, continue to run the ball well and play defense, don’t assume they can’t get a win in Indianapolis this week, too.

twitter: @raidersbeat

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