Tackling the Raiders offensive line problems

March 18, 1:49 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

Previous Next

8 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Oakland Raiders Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Cornell Green needs to be replaced as a starter.
Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

The Oakland Raiders have added two players to their offensive tackle stable by signing Erik Pears from the Denver Broncos and Khalif Barnes from the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the problems the Raiders had at both left and right tackle for 2008, any additions are welcomed. However, Mario Henderson played well late in the season and will be a fierce competitor to beat out for his starting role.

Barnes will be competing for the left tackle spot. In order to win out over Mario Henderson, he will have to show that he is going to be better than he was last year in Jacksonville. Some of his problems can be attributed to injuries in the interior of the Jaguar line in '08, but much of it rests on him. The Raiders had a penalty machine at left tackle last season in Kwame Harris, and can ill-afford the 3rd and 15 situations that Harris often left the Raiders in. One telling stat on Barnes is that the Jags averaged nearly 6 yards per carry to his side of the line.

Henderson stepped in when Harris was benched late in the 08 season and managed to have only one penalty and no sacks allowed despite facing some of the leagues better pass rushers. It is not going to be easy for Barnes to push him out of the starting gig. Likely, whomever doesn't start on the left side will move over to the right side. With Barnes being the better run blocker of the two and Henderson being the better pass blocker, it would make sense to have Henderson on the left and Barnes on the right.

The Raiders also signed Erik Pears who has starting experience with the Denver Broncos to add to the competition. Cornell Green started for the Raiders in 07 and 08, but was outplayed by Paul McQuistan once Green went down with an injury. James Marten and Mark Wilson will be competing for backup spots. McQuistan seems to be thought of as more of a guard by the coaching staff, but he played well at tackle in relief of Green.

The Raiders won't be looking for more at this position in the free agent market. Mike Lombardi reported that the Raiders promised Barnes they wouldn't pick a tackle in the draft, but if one of the top tackles is on the board it would not be out of the realm of possibility for them to make the move. Barnes is on a one year deal, and he does have a lot to prove. Henderson has to prove that he can do it consistently.

The battles at this position will be one to keep an eye on through minicamps and on into training camp.

SEE ALSO:

• Greatness at center a Raider tradition
• Raiders drafting success beyond first round
• Continuing silver offseason
• Raiders finally ink Barnes
• Davis-Kiffin battle could reveal secrets
• Raiders next moves?
• Highest priorities remaining
• State of the Raiders defense
• Where the Raiders offense stands
• Avoiding the quick fix
• Making all the right moves
• Winning trench warfare