Oakland Raiders: Loss of Donald Penn means adjustments for Derek Carr

With Oakland Raiders stalwart tackle Donald Penn out, Derek Carr will now have to step up for the rest of the season.

The Oakland Raiders suffered a tough 20-17 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, and it appears they have lost a key member of their team in the process. Oakland left tackle Donald Penn suffered a left foot injury during the game, and will be out for the season according to multiple reports.

Penn has truly been an ironman for Oakland. He has not missed a regular season game in his career, and it will be unique to say the least when the Raiders offensive line lines up on Sunday without him.

Despite losing the veteran, the Raiders do have players who have experience at the position. Menelik Watson filled in for Penn during the Raiders’ Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans last season. Watson struggled and it became very clear how much Oakland missed Penn.

The absence of Penn will affect Derek Carr the most. Carr already has the fastest release in football according to Pro Football Focus and it will have to be even faster now. His blindside will be significantly weakened with the loss of Penn and that may force him to become uncomfortable in the pocket and make quicker decisions. Making throws on the run may have to become a bigger part of his repertoire.

If there is one thing working in Carr’s favor it is the fact that the Oakland offensive line has been strong throughout the course of the season. They rank No. 28 in the league with 21 sacks given up. With that in mind, Penn has been a big reason for their success.

Short passes may become a bigger part of the gameplan now. Carr presumably will not have as much time to stand around in the pocket and as a result this adjustment may have to happen. The running game will have to pick up as well. The Raiders had a great game on the ground Sunday with 122 total yards. Marshawn Lynch was the top performer with 16 carries for 76 yards. Although he led the way on Sunday, the team will need him to have bigger performances moving forward.

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For a team that needs to fire on all cylinders just to make the playoffs, this is a huge loss, one that may officially close the door on their playoff dreams.

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