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Raiders Mailbag: Is Spencer Burford offensive line’s biggest problem?

The Las Vegas Raiders' recent struggles have shifted focus back to their offensive line, particularly guard Spencer Burford, whose performance has become a focal point as the team faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. While Burford has shown flashes of effectiveness as a run blocker—including a standout 81.0 PFF grade against the Kansas City Chiefs—his pass protection remains a glaring weakness.

He leads all guards in pressures allowed (18) and ranks fourth-worst in pass protection grades (26.6), raising questions about his reliability despite occasional strong run-blocking outings like his 73.9 PFF grade against the New Orleans Saints. The debate over whether to prioritize run blocking or pass protection at guard has intensified, especially as the Raiders prepare to integrate Fernando Mendoza into the lineup.

With Burford’s inconsistencies, some analysts suggest the team may need to lean harder into the potential of younger guards like Caleb Rogers or Trey Zuhn III, even if it means accepting occasional pass-rush vulnerabilities to preserve the running game’s upside.

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