Ashton Jeanty faces challenges behind struggling Raiders line
Ashton Jeanty entered the NFL with considerable expectations, but his start with the Las Vegas Raiders has been anything but smooth. The rookie running back recorded a career-high 63 rushing yards in Week 3, yet managed only 3.7 yards per carry during the Raiders’ 41-24 defeat to the Washington Commanders. As the season progresses, Jeanty’s overall numbers reflect a concerning trend: he has accumulated 144 rushing yards on 47 carries, resulting in a dismal average of just 3.1 yards per attempt.
Concerns over Jeanty’s performance
Such lackluster statistics have led to skepticism around Jeanty’s abilities, particularly given his pedigree out of Boise State. However, labeling him as a disappointment at this early stage overlooks a critical factor: the performance of the Raiders’ offensive line.
Data reveals a troubling reality for Jeanty: during Week 3, he was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 11 of his 17 carries. Over the course of the season’s first three games, an astonishing 57% of his carries (27 out of 47) have been met with immediate contact. It’s clear that no running back, regardless of talent, can thrive under such circumstances.
Offensive line struggles
The Raiders’ offensive line woes have compounded Jeanty’s challenges. In a surprising move, the team opted to start veteran Alex Cappa over second-year guard Jackson Powers-Johnson in their recent matchup, a decision that yielded poor results. When Jeanty ran through Cappa’s gap, he averaged a paltry 0.28 yards per carry on seven attempts. In stark contrast, when he navigated through teammate Dylan Parham’s gap, he posted a much more respectable average of five yards per carry on eight attempts.
The inconsistency in the offensive line’s performance raises further questions about the team’s ability to protect and create opportunities for their running backs. Jeanty’s struggles are not indicative of his talent; rather, they underscore a systemic issue that the Raiders must address.
Promise amid adversity
Despite the early setbacks, Jeanty has shown flashes of promise that suggest he has the potential to succeed in the NFL. Observers have noted that he possesses the skills necessary to be an effective running back, but he requires the support that every player in his position needs to flourish.
While the current situation may look grim for the rookie, it is essential to recognize that with improved offensive line play, Jeanty could very well become the impactful player the Raiders envisioned when they drafted him. The challenge now lies in how the Raiders will adapt and bolster their front line to allow Jeanty to realize his potential.
