Training camp is just around the corner, and the Las Vegas Raiders will get to work trying to make it back to the postseason after a disappointing 2022. One of the unexpected bright spots for the team last season was the offensive line which held up very well and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor was a big reason why.
Eluemunor had the best season of his career with the Raiders last season, starting all 17 games at right tackle. The Raiders ranked in the top 10 in fewest sacks allowed and paved the way for star running back Josh Jacobs to lead the entire NFL in rushing yards.
The work will continue once training camp begins, and in terms of working on pass protection, there is no better opposition to go up against on a daily basis than star defensive end Maxx Crosby and Eluemunor is looking forward to it. In fact, the Raiders tackle took to social media, calling himself the luckiest guy in the NFL for being able to face off with Crosby:
It’s approaching that time where I get to go up against the best DE in the NFL for a whole month….I might just be the luckiest Guy in the NFL @CrosbyMaxx pic.twitter.com/7POnFkgkIL
— Jermaine Eluemunor (@TheMainShow_) July 18, 2023
In order to truly be the best at your craft, you have to face off with the best to see where you stand. Working against Crosby on a daily basis is the best way to keep improving. If you can hold your own against him, then the vast majority of pass rushers across the league should be a piece of cake.
The offensive line holding up will once again be crucial to the success of the Raiders offense this season. New quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has proven he can deliver when he has pieces around him and the Raiders have great skill position players led by receiver DaVante Adams and, hopefully, running back Josh Jacobs.
But none of that matters if the line doesn’t do its job. Last season it was one of the biggest question marks, but they proved they were up to the task and Eluemunor was chief among them. The fact that he looks forward to facing off with the best and continuing to improve is a great sign of his character and work ethic and is why the Raiders brought him back. Those daily battles will be fun to watch without a doubt.