Las Vegas Raiders reserve offensive tackle Stone Forsythe made his first start of the season on Sunday. Forsythe was replacing the injured Kolton Miller. He predictably struggled as the Raiders were embarrassed 40-6 by the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.
Forsythe was credited with allowing a team-high four pressures in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus. Of the two sacks assigned to the offensive line, Forsythe was responsible for one (with the other going to DJ Glaze). His pass-pro grade of 54.4 was third-worst (Somehow, Jackson Powers-Johnson and Jordan Meredith had worse scores in pass protection).
Forsythe was also whistled for a penalty. In truth, starting quarterback Geno Smith did Forsythe and the offensive line no favors. Smith routinely held onto the ball for long stretches of time and threw two interceptions.
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What could be painted as concerning is the Colts entered Sunday’s contest as one of least-effective pass-rushing units in the NFL. Forsythe still allowed four pressures, a sack, and a penalty. For what it’s worth, the Raiders have another struggling pass-rushing team in the Tennessee Titans in Week 6.
It’s highly unlikely the Raiders will consider benching Forsythe after one so-so start. Rookie Charles Grant is looming as a potential option. Forsythe will probably receive a bounce-back opportunity against the fellow 1-4 Titans.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders OT Stone Forsythe predictably struggled in 1st start