The Arizona Cardinals' offensive line has become a sweltering concern as the 2015 NFL season approaches.
Injuries and a looming suspension to right tackle Bobby Massie has thrust a unit that was supposed to be improved into flux.
During the first half of Sunday night's 30-23 win over the Oakland Raiders, the offensive line got pounded.
The most notable beatings -- and there were several -- came from Khalil Mack. The second-year pass rusher repeatedly clown-suited both offensive tackles Jared Veldheer and Bradley Sowell. Mack produced two sacks, a forced fumble and numerous quarterback pressures.
Following the game, coach Bruce Arians said it wasn't all on the line and noted that quarterback Carson Palmer needs to get the ball out of his hands when he knows pressure is coming.
"We've got to do a better job of getting the ball out of our hands sometimes," Arians said, via the Arizona Republic. "I thought we held it a little bit longer today. Our backs could have helped a couple times to protect (Palmer).
"I thought we were just out of sync. They did a good job of loading up the box and making the run game tough."
Arians pointed to Mack causing most of the damage to his beleaguered offensive line.
"It was just one guy on one guy most of the time," Arians said. "Carson's got to get the ball out of his hands. He can't be looking for three and four (options) against that rush."
For what was an emphasis this offseason, the Cards can't be happy watching their blockers dismantled with such ease in the third preseason game. If it's not improved when the Cards face stalwart fronts -- like the one in Seattle, for instance -- it could become the offense's Achilles' heel.
