Mykle VanHausen

Given the atrocities of 06' the Oakland Raiders are considered (if at all) to have one of the worst offensive lines, not only in the league, but in history.

Given the continual posts and columns written by those with no interest in a cellar dwelling team whos few notes of merit are far under weighed compared to the spectacular season long meltdown of Oaklands offensive line.

The very heart of the team.

That heart was broken under the Shell regime despite and because of a group of talented, storied warriors in the guise of Shell, Slater and Eatman.

After the scrutiny of last season and the pain it brings to my bowels, I shant delve too deeply into "the unpleasantness" for fear of being redundant (redundant), except to say "Too many cooks, (with expired ingriedients no less) not only spoil the soup, they make it a down right wretch fest."

Survivors on still occupying posts on the Raider line convey stories of hopelessly dated and often contradictory schemes and information.

On paper, Shell, Eatman and Slater look like a no brainer.

Some of most knowledgable and sucessful line personnel EVER.

But Father time, the speed of the game, an inability to organize a focused and united Coaching strategy, Republicans in the White House, injuries and intrigue conspired to make a comedy of errors that played out weekly across the NFL.

A Tragic comedy.

Those with the inclination, an open mind and not bound by blind allegiance, lack of reason or sub deral hematoma can follow the fact that while Oakland did aquire a player of merit on the offensive side of the ball in the personage of 4th round pick Florida State Offensive Tackle, Mario "Cart" Henderson, their 07' offensive line up bears an eerrie resemblance to last years "Lost Battalion".

With the noteable exception of boo-boo knee'd former 49er Jeremy Newberry eyeing a spot at starting Center and former Bronco, the undersized Cooper "Kitty" Carlise at Guard, the Raider offensive line looks eeriely similar.

The Raiders had ample opportunity to address what many felt was of paramount importance, the obviously flawed offensive line.

What many hadn't realized, the Raiders already had.

Coach Kiffin correctly ascertained, the problem was the system (or lack their of) and not the players.

By slaying the three headed Coaching dragon and instituting a well structured, fast paced program the Raiders have wisely played to the strengths of a young and by all means gifted group of linmen who, thanks to the fact a purge was deemed unnecessary, have been allowed to continue growing as a unit and as a team.

The added benifit comes from the fact the Raiders find themselves flush with young talent at the heart of the offensive line and a pair of wiley, disciplined veterans that can accelerate and guide those youngsters along with a wealth of invaluable experience and techniques.

Currently Rostered Raider Offensive Linemen

C Jake Grove

Taken in the 2nd round 45th overall 2004 draft.
Extremely agile for his size and big for a Center. Has struggled through 4 Coaches and systems, but has huge potential.

C Jeremy Newberry

Enters year 10 on two bum knees and likely won't last the season, but brings more positives and intangibles than negatives.

C Adam Treu

Entering year 12 Treu has been a reliable, serviceable back up and is one of the premier long snappers in the league aiding former #1 draft pick, place kicker Sebastian Janikowski and perrenial Pro-Bowl contending Punter Shane Lechler to excecute.

G Cooper Carlisle

Entering his 9th season Carlise was likley broguht aboard to contribute and more importantly educate in the nuances of a blocking scheme and running attack executed to perfection by his former Denver cohorts and now in vogue in Oakland thanks to former Atlanta guru and new Raider Coordinator Tom Cable.

G / T Barry Sims

Sims is another veteran heading into year 10 and is listed as a Guard but will likley compete for honors on the blind side at the all crucial Left Tackle slot.
Sims has limitations, but is reliable, tenacious and versatile.

G Brad Badger

Year 12 finds Brad Badger in his usual role of reliable back up.

G Paul McQuistan

Considered a steal in the 3rd round (69th overall)of the 06' draft, McQuistan won the dubious honor of a starting slot for the beginning of last season, but was mercifully replaced early on.
Like others McQuistan suffered under the inept coaching of the Shell regime, but is still considered an excellent prospect and will likley see action this year.

G Kevin Boothe

One of the truly great surpises of last year was the emergence of 6th round draft pick Kevin Boothe. Out of Cornell booth emerged his rookie year as a force to be reckoned with and secured a starting spot early last season, starting 14 contests.

T Cornell Green

aquired via trade the 8 yr vet brings knowledge, stability and depth to the Tackle psoition and is also a veteran of the "Stretch and Cut" blocking scheme.

T Robert Gallery

Selected 2nd overall in the 2004 draft Gallery has struggled under the plethora of new schemes thrown his way in his brief, tumultuous tenure. Kiffin and Cable's new scheme however plays directly to the agile Lineman's strengths and this could be the year Gallery puts together a Pro-Bowl caiber performance.

T Chad Slaughter

Showed promise at the end of 05 by destroying Micheal Strahan.
Re-signed with the Raiders this off season. A move lamented by some and welcomed by others like myself. Slaughter's play was erratic and drew far too many penalties, but on the plays he remembered or lucked into a snap count he dominated the line of scrimmage.

T Mario Henderson

Another of what many feel is a bargain in the 3rd round 91st overall. He'll be a project who needs to build upper body strength, awareness and refine his technique, but the rangy long arms, comparisions to Seattle's Walter Jones and positive upside are very encouraging.

All in all, despite the loss(?) of Langston wlaker to the Bills in free agency, the Raiders possess as much quality on their O line as anyone in the league.

If its true the Offensive line is the Heart of a team the Oakland Raiders look to be pretty deep.