For the last few years, the Raiders offensive line has been one of the staples of the team. Rodney Hudson was the centerpiece of an offensive line that included veterans Gabe Jackson and Richie Incognito, as well as Kolton Miller, who has become one of the better left tackles in the NFL.
But much has changed in a short time.
Incognito hasn’t been able to stay healthy and the Raiders traded Hudson and Jackson in the offseason.
Some thought offensive line coach Tom Cable would be able to rebuild the line without proven linemen, but the results so far have been more disappointing than even most critics were expecting.
After five games, the Raiders’ offensive line is the no. 21 ranked pass-blocking line in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus analytics. But that’s nowhere near the worst of it. PFF grades the Raiders as the worst run-blocking offensive line in the NFL and it’s not even close. The Raiders’ 34.3 run grade is 15 points below the Colts (49.3), who are the next worst run-blocking team in the league. If the Raiders were to finish the season without improvement, they would finish the year as the worst run-blocking offensive line PFF has ever graded.
Injuries have played a part in the Raiders struggles along the offensive line, but it seems like matters are only getting worse. On Sunday afternoon against the Bears, Miller was the Raiders only offensive lineman to receive a competent grade for the game.
Everyone else?
A complete disaster.
twitter: @raidersbeat
