Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive line has emerged as a persistent Achilles’ heel this season, undermining the team’s otherwise promising offensive potential and threatening their playoff aspirations. Through the first 12 games, the unit ranks near the bottom of the NFL in key metrics: allowing 38 sacks (27th league-wide), averaging just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt (26th), and committing 21 holding penalties (tied for 24th). These struggles have not only limited quarterback Kirk Cousins’ time in the pocket but also stifled the running game, forcing the offense to rely too heavily on passing plays and increasing the risk of turnovers. Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the root causes of the unit’s woes, the impact on the team’s overall performance, and the challenges of fixing the issue midseason.

Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the injury crisis that has destabilized the line all season. The Raiders have already used 11 different starting combinations due to a string of injuries to key players, including left tackle Kolton Miller (knee sprain, four games missed), right guard Alex Bars (ankle injury, six games missed), and center Andre James (concussion, two games missed). Each absence forced unproven backups into critical roles—most notably Jermaine Eluemunor, a journeyman tackle who allowed 7 sacks in his five starts filling in for Miller. The constant turnover has disrupted communication and chemistry, as linemen have been forced to adjust to new teammates and assignments weekly. “Injuries are part of the game, but this level of turnover kills continuity,” said former NFL offensive lineman and current analyst Brian Baldinger. “Offensive lines thrive on trust—knowing where your teammate will be, how they’ll block, and when to help. The Raiders haven’t had that luxury this season.” Even when healthy, the line has struggled to find rhythm, with miscommunications leading to costly sacks on third down and failed run-blocking assignments.

Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the performance issues at specific positions, starting with the left tackle spot—long considered a franchise cornerstone. Kolton Miller, a Pro Bowl alternate in 2022, has regressed this season, allowing 5 sacks and 14 quarterback pressures in his eight starts. Analysts point to his inconsistent footwork and slower reaction time against elite edge rushers, such as when he was repeatedly beaten by Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones in Week 5 (allowing 2 sacks and 3 pressures). The right tackle position has been equally problematic: Brandon Parker, who re-signed on a one-year deal in the offseason, has allowed 8 sacks—the third-most among NFL right tackles—and has been penalized 6 times for holding. The interior line hasn’t fared better: center Andre James has struggled with snap accuracy (3 errant snaps in critical situations) and guard Dylan Parham has allowed 4 sacks, a significant jump from his 1 sack as a rookie in 2023. “Every position on this line has question marks,” said ESPN’s Linsey Thiry. “There’s no clear strength to build around, and that’s a death sentence for an offense that wants to be balanced.”

Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders also explores the impact of these struggles on the rest of the offense. For Kirk Cousins, the constant pressure has forced him to rush throws or scramble out of the pocket, leading to 9 interceptions—his highest total since 2020. In Week 8 against the Bears, Cousins was sacked 5 times and hit 11 times, leading to a season-low 62.1 passer rating and a 23-17 loss. The running game has been even more affected: Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 1,065 yards last season, is on pace for just 820 yards this year, with 47% of his carries being stopped for no gain or a loss (up from 32% in 2023). The lack of a consistent run game has made the Raiders’ offense predictable, as defenses can focus on stopping the pass without fear of Jacobs breaking a long run. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this one-dimensionality has been costly in close games: in their six losses, the Raiders have scored more than 20 points just twice, and in each case, the offense stalled in the fourth quarter due to exhausted receivers and a fatigued line. “You can’t win in the NFL if you can’t run the ball or protect your quarterback,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, who has faced criticism for his inability to fix the line’s issues.

Another layer of Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders is the team’s failed attempts to address the problem midseason. In October, the Raiders signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler to a one-year deal, hoping his 11 years of experience would stabilize the interior line. But Zeitler, who turns 34 in March, has looked slow and out of sync, allowing 3 sacks in his four starts and committing 3 holding penalties. The team also promoted practice squad tackle Thayer Munford to the active roster, but he was benched after allowing 2 sacks in his only start in Week 10. These stopgap measures have only highlighted the Raiders’ lack of long-term planning for the offensive line, as they entered the season with just one proven starter (Miller) and no viable backups. “The Raiders tried to patch this line together with band-aids, but the wounds are too deep,” said NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “They didn’t invest in the line in free agency or the draft, and now they’re paying the price.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the midseason struggles have also raised questions about the front office’s priorities, as the team spent heavily on skill positions (signing Cousins, retaining Jacobs) while neglecting the players who protect and create opportunities for them.

Offensive Line Struggles Persist for the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the long-term implications of the line’s struggles and potential solutions for the offseason. If the Raiders miss the playoffs, the offensive line will likely be the primary focus of changes, including possible coaching adjustments (offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo’s job security is already being debated) and significant roster overhauls. Analysts recommend the Raiders use their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on an offensive tackle—prospects like Ohio State’s Josh Simmons or Alabama’s JC Latham—to replace Miller or Parker, and sign a veteran guard in free agency to stabilize the interior. They also suggest restructuring contracts to free up cap space, as the Raiders currently have just $18 million in available cap for 2025. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the message is clear: fixing the offensive line isn’t just a short-term need—it’s a prerequisite for competing in the AFC West, where teams like the Chiefs and Chargers boast elite defensive lines. “This line can’t be fixed in a week or a month,” said former Raiders lineman Lincoln Kennedy. “It’s going to take a full offseason of drafting, signing, and practicing together. The Raiders have to commit to it, or they’ll be stuck in this cycle of mediocrity for years.” As the season enters its final stretch, the Raiders’ offensive line struggles remain a stark reminder that even the most talented skill players can’t succeed without a strong foundation up front.