Raiders’ Offensive Line Struggles Burden Ashton Jeanty with Challenging Start
As the Las Vegas Raiders navigate a rocky start to the season, running back Ashton Jeanty finds himself in a difficult position. With an average of just 3.1 yards per carry over his first three games, Jeanty has faced a daunting challenge that extends far beyond his own performance. The root of his struggles lies firmly within the Raiders’ offensive line, which has been unable to provide the necessary support.
A Surprising Statistic
One of the most striking indicators of the offensive line’s shortcomings is the curious statistic that Jeanty has accrued more yards after contact than actual rushing yards. This season, he has gained a total of 144 rushing yards, yet remarkably, he has recorded 145 yards after contact. This anomaly speaks volumes about the conditions Jeanty has encountered on the field.
The essence of this statistic becomes clearer when examining Jeanty’s carries. According to ESPN, he has frequently been met by defenders at or behind the line of scrimmage. In Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, Jeanty faced this reality on 11 of his 17 carries. Over the course of the season, 57% of his total rushes—27 out of 47—have resulted in him being hit before he could even gain momentum.
Head Coach’s Perspective
If you’re inclined to place the blame for Jeanty’s slow start solely on him, it might be time to reconsider. Head coach Pete Carroll emphasized the need for growth and development within the offensive line. After Week 3, he remarked, “We got the guys we got, and we need to keep developing and keep building on it. We’re working at the right guard spot. Our young guys, they’ll get their turn sometime, but they’re not ready yet.”
Carroll’s comments reflect a broader issue at play. The Raiders are grappling with a lineup that has yet to find its rhythm, and the coaching staff is aware of the gaps that need to be addressed. He further noted, “So, we have what we have, and we’ve got to make our guys do better, and we’ve got to fit it together better than we have.”
Lineup Changes Ahead
In a bid to rectify the situation, the Raiders made a notable change in Week 3, starting Alex Cappa over Jackson Powers-Johnson at right guard. However, this adjustment did not yield the desired results. As the team prepares for Week 4, it’s anticipated that Powers-Johnson will reclaim the starting position. Given the circumstances, he may prove to be a more effective option than Cappa.
The young players Carroll referred to are stepping into a challenging environment, one where they will need to quickly adapt and contribute. As the Raiders look to turn the tide, Jeanty’s performance will continue to be closely watched, but the onus is equally on the offensive line to improve their play. Without a cohesive unit up front, the path to success remains steep for both Jeanty and the Raiders.
