most important position?

[SF_Raider_Fan]

I am a new Raider fan and have not followed the team during the past ten years. Given the w/l record, my assumption is that in recent years the Raiders have not had an effective offensive line.
On television and radio most all the NFL talk I hear is about QB's, wide receivers, linebackers etc... My belief is that the offensive line is by far the most important component/position of a football team.
One or two lineman alone does not get the job done well. It needs to be 4 or 5 linemen working together as unit, play after play. This makes holes for the running backs, creates time for the QB's and receivers. And the best defense is keeping your offense on the field so that your defense may stay fresh, rested. If the Raiders are going to improve their recent record it must start with the offensive line.
Anyone agree, disagree ?

[LINQ]

I am a new Raider fan and have not followed the team during the past ten years. Given the w/l record, my assumption is that in recent years the Raiders have not had an effective offensive line.
On television and radio most all the NFL talk I hear is about QB's, wide receivers, linebackers etc... My belief is that the offensive line is by far the most important component/position of a football team.
One or two lineman alone does not get the job done well. It needs to be 4 or 5 linemen working together as unit, play after play. This makes holes for the running backs, creates time for the QB's and receivers. And the best defense is keeping your offense on the field so that your defense may stay fresh, rested. If the Raiders are going to improve their recent record it must start with the offensive line.
Anyone agree, disagree ?

The Raiders have had an outstanding offensive line. It's one of their main strengths. Look at our running game rankings and sacks given up. All top 10. I'm not sure where you're getting all this from...

[Palehorse]

Since you are a new fan I'm curious, what brought you to the Raiders?

To your your question. The past couple of years we have had a strong line. It should be a strength again this year. Before that there were many times it was questionable. I agree a strong line is key.

The past of losing records went far beyond poor line play though.

[SLVR&BLK]

The line should only get better this year with Wiz at center and Brisell coming in at guard.

We have the key guy in place with Veldheer.

[MadBomber24]

Not sure I would go with outstanding but our line did exceed expectations last year by quite a lot. We have the makings of a very good line with young guys like Veldheer (LT) and Wiz (C). Rg Briesel is a new addition this year from Hou and should be an upgrade for us. Carlisle is moving to LG and is nothing special but he is solid. RT Barnes didn't play terrible last year but he commits a lot of penalties. RT is most likely our weakest position on the line right now.

Going into last season the oline was widely considered our weakest group and biggest need. They played well last year and were far from a weakness but they still need to get better IMO.

I am a new Raider fan and have not followed the team during the past ten years. Given the w/l record, my assumption is that in recent years the Raiders have not had an effective offensive line.
On television and radio most all the NFL talk I hear is about QB's, wide receivers, linebackers etc... My belief is that the offensive line is by far the most important component/position of a football team.
One or two lineman alone does not get the job done well. It needs to be 4 or 5 linemen working together as unit, play after play. This makes holes for the running backs, creates time for the QB's and receivers. And the best defense is keeping your offense on the field so that your defense may stay fresh, rested. If the Raiders are going to improve their recent record it must start with the offensive line.
Anyone agree, disagree ?

The Raiders have had an outstanding offensive line. It's one of their main strengths. Look at our running game rankings and sacks given up. All top 10. I'm not sure where you're getting all this from...

[Naphtali]

Will the line get better, the talent is better with Wiz at center, and the new kid we drafted I feel, but we have to see the way they adapt to the system...throw out company line talk, well just have to wait and see

[SF_Raider_Fan]

I gave up my Candlestick tickets when the York's decided to move their team out of San Francisco.
I called the Raiders ticket office, bought season tickets, and hope more San Franciscan's will do the same.
GO RAIDERS !

Since you are a new fan I'm curious, what brought you to the Raiders?

[OAKR8RPHX]

The line should only get better this year with Wiz at center and Brisell coming in at guard.

We have the key guy in place with Veldheer.

I think we will have a great O-line but would still like to see Berg and possibly Barks take over for Coop and Barnes. Then we could possibly have one of the best O-lines in the NFL.

[RaiderInSD21]

Actually, I disagree. I agree the O-line is very important, but it's not the most important. Look at the Giants, Packers, & Steelers. Those O-lines are just average, or in the Giants case really bad. Having a top tier QB is much more important.

[Chewy316]

We had one of the lowest sacks allowed totals in the NFL last year and it was a franchise record low. I'm very confident in our O-Line this year. Wiz is a year older, Veldheer has another year of experience. Barnes fits better in a zone scheme as well. The line should be a good strength this year.

The most important position however is the QB. If Palmer fires, we will have a chance in any game.

[Da Swami]

Asking which position is the most important is like asking which tire on your car is the most important tire.

Which tire could you do without?

[truepirate1966]

Which tire could you do without?

The spare, as long as you dont get a flat.

[SF_Raider_Fan]

I just feel like the QB position is overrated. Just about every major college starting QB, and certainly every NFL roster QB, is atheletic and skilled enough to throw completions. what makes an offense work well is when the offensive line gives the QB time , receivers time, and creates holes for the running backs.
When the Raiders won their Super Bowls Ken Stabler and Jim Plunkett had plenty of time to let plays develop.

The most important position however is the QB. If Palmer fires, we will have a chance in any game.

[themiamiraider]

Finally a decent thread. 1st off welcome to the Raider family, once you go silver & black you never go back. Second I agree the key to football is to get a decent QB and surround him with powerful/smart offensive lineman. Part of the reason i am so excited for next year is because of our young talented line. When Campbell was under center I don't think he got sacked behind our guys (one time he tripped) the sacks came when we started to have to protect Palmer, but the o-line was still pretty good even protecting him. Last season was the best I've seen our O line play in a VERY long time. Very excited about the season, Go Raiders!

[cheapshotartist]

DEFENSE!