Raiders Navigate Turbulent Waters with Meyers Trade and Jeanty’s Role Uncertainty
In the latest episode of the Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast, discussions have turned heated as the team grapples with the implications of a significant trade and the perplexing usage of rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. The Raiders, currently sitting at 2-6, are amid one of their busiest weeks of the season with a mere four days between games.
Meyers Trade: A Professional Transition
General Manager John Spytek made waves just before the NFL trade deadline, successfully orchestrating a deal that sent wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This move comes after Meyers had expressed a desire for a trade prior to the season’s start. Despite his request, Meyers remained a consummate professional on the field, giving maximum effort while awaiting a resolution.
With the Jaguars, Meyers reunites with a familiar coaching staff that values his skills and experience. The trade not only benefits Meyers, who now joins an organization eager to utilize his talents, but also allows the Raiders to bolster their draft stock, acquiring Jacksonville’s top fourth-round pick alongside a sixth-round selection. In a landscape defined by uncertainty, this trade stands as a strategic win for Spytek.
Jeanty’s Role: A Source of Frustration
As the dust settles from the trade, attention shifts back to the perplexing situation surrounding Jeanty, the sixth overall pick in the draft. Criticism has mounted regarding his limited usage under Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly, with many questioning whether the rookie is being maximized in the game plan.
When asked about Jeanty’s role, Kelly defended his approach, stating, “I think he leads the league in rookie rushing in carries.” He emphasized that the team’s focus remains squarely on winning rather than catering to fantasy football enthusiasts. Jeanty’s development is ongoing, and while he is positioned as the team’s primary back, the coaching staff is working to expand his contributions in the passing game.
Tackling Troubles: A Call for Improvement
While the coaching staff expresses confidence in Jeanty’s growth, they have been less forgiving regarding the team’s tackling issues. Following a lackluster performance in the fourth quarter and overtime against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Head Coach Pete Carroll and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham are adamant that these problems cannot be attributed to the bye week.
Carroll dismissed the notion that the week off had any bearing on the team’s performance, insisting that it is the responsibility of the coaches to ensure players are prepared. Graham echoed this sentiment, stating, “There’s never any excuses. One, I got to do a better job of getting them prepared during the week.” He acknowledged that while some players executed good tackles, consistency was lacking, and improving this aspect is crucial moving forward.
As the Raiders navigate through this tumultuous period, the focus remains on refining their game plan and addressing the issues that have hindered their performance. The landscape of the team is shifting, and both the coaching staff and players must adapt to the changes ahead.
