The Las Vegas Raiders are now on their bye week, which gives them a chance to get healthy before they get back to action to wrap up the remaining games of the season.
The Raiders are 5-7 and their odds to make the postseason took a dip after their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. They now must decide if they want to make one last push for the playoffs, or use the rest of the season to audition their young talent.
The Raiders have shown some good things on both sides of the ball since interim head coach Antonio Pierce took over, and they have a chance to evaluate what their team is going to be in the future after the last five games of the year.
One area the Raiders have remained steady is on the offensive line. One player who has helped them in that area is interior lineman Greg Van Roten.
After signing a contract with the Silver and Black in May, Van Roten slid into the starting right guard role and has been arguably the Raiders’ best offensive lineman outside of left tackle Kolton Miller.
According to Pro Football Focus, Van Roten has played 730 snaps, all of which at right guard, and is the Raiders’ third-highest graded player behind Miller and wide receiver Davante Adams.
Van Roten has allowed just 14 total pressures this season and has earned high run and pass blocking grades. He has been able to keep his quarterback upright and has opened up running lanes for Josh Jacobs consistently.
Van Roten is almost 34 years old, so he may not be a part of the team’s long-term picture, but he has been valuable to the team in 2023 and could earn another contract with the team if he continues to play well.
The Raiders were looking for an answer at right guard, and Van Roten has delivered on that. Many fans may not see the impact he has on the offense, but his contributions have kept the Raiders’ offensive line performing at a high level. His great play has gone under the radar, but has been key for the success the Raiders’ offense has found.
The Silver and Black will return home to Allegiant Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, December 10, at 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST.
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