Oakland Raiders: Bully ball set up to complement passing game

The Oakland Raiders came to terms on a five-year, $56 million deal with offensive guard Gabe Jackson. What does this mean for their opponents in 2017?

When most analysts and casual fans highlight the Oakland Raiders resurgence, the passing offense usually comes to mind. Specifically, quarterback Derek Carr tossing a deep ball to wideout Amari Cooper or an out route toward the sideline for wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Running back Latavius Murray’s three-rushing touchdown performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 9 goes unnoticed. The offensive line enabled the coaching staff to play bully ball with their division rivals midway through the previous season.

As expected, general manager Reggie McKenzie rewarded guard Gabe Jackson, one of the Raiders’ biggest bullies, with a huge contract extension per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:

Jackson’s extension comes a week after Carr’s five-year, $125 million deal. It’s the ideal way to secure the future on offense: pay the quarterback — then pay his protectors.

On an average yearly salary scale, the Raiders have two of the three highest-paid guards in the league in Kelechi Osemele and Jackson, per Spotrac. Both deserve every dollar to their names. The pair allowed zero sacks during the previous season, per Pro Football Focus:

By the way, Rodney Hudson allowed the least amount of quarterback pressures among centers, per Pro Football Focus:

Spotlight on the Unsung Heroes

The guard-center trio on the interior will allow the running backs to run throw open lanes without a hand on their jersey for the first couple of yards. Most importantly, Marshawn Lynch’s physical run style could bring nightmares to defenses, assuming he remains healthy through the year.

Before giving the praise to the running backs for scoring touchdowns during the season, take a look at what bully ball looks like on the interior. Twitter users GipsySafety and Cory extracted short clips from the previous season highlighting Jackson’s importance in the trenches:

The ability to drive a defensive lineman backward or clear the way in goal-line situations will put fear and frustration in defenses when they know what’s coming but can’t stop the play.

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Those unfamiliar with the Raiders offense will spout off about blanketing the wide receivers as a way to shut down the offense. Pay close attention to how well Oakland runs the ball between the tackles with a power running back in place. The handoffs could be just as lethal as the dart thrown downfield.

Playoff contenders find more than one way to win football games. Carr has the ability to put the ball in his playmakers’ hands through the air, but the pressure isn’t all on his arm to deliver in critical situations.

The Raiders rushing offense ranked No. 6 in rushing yards gained and rushing touchdowns scored in 2016. With two young ball-carriers going into their second seasons and Beast Mode behind a stellar trio on the interior, expect this ground attack to easily reach the top five in the upcoming season.

Next: Raiders: 5 Players on roster bubble during training camp

At the very least, Osemele, Hudson and Jackson will remain together through the 2019 season, barring early releases. Until then, opponents should prepare for physical matchups across the line of scrimmage. The Raiders are built to mow over more than a few defenses in 2017.