As Ashton Jeanty galloped down the left sideline, chugging and churning before high-stepping out of Kevin Byard III's attempt at a leg tackle for his 64-yard touchdown run, Jeanty could only hear one thing.
"Just my feet hitting the ground," Jeanty told me in a somber locker room after the Raiders' inexplicable 25-24 loss to the Bears Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
Then, mid-sprint, a familiar voice entered his mind – his own.
"I'm just telling myself, 'Keep going, keep going,'" Jeanty said. "'Nobody can stop you.'
"I've got confidence in myself in open space against anybody."
Indeed, the only thing that could stop Jeanty against the Bears was, well, the Raiders themselves. How else to explain Jeanty clocking a career-best 138 of the Raiders' 240 rushing yards, the Raiders out-gaining the Bears in total yardage, 357-271, and the rookie running back scoring three touchdowns - two by air and one by land - and the Raiders still falling to 1-3 on the season with the loss?
Four turnovers - including an early fumble by Jeanty himself on a fourth-down play in which he was hit in the backfield - will do it. Daniel Carlson's potential 54-yard game-winning field goal with 38 seconds to play being blocked by an untouched Josh Blackwell was, well, academic.
And, somehow, fitting.
Not even the play of Jeanty, the No. 6 overall draft pick who showed what he can do when given an opportunity to hit a hole, or the genius of edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who was wrecking the game early with tackles for loss and his first career interception, could overcome three interceptions by Geno Smith.
And the Raiders defense, which had kept the Bears in check, finally cracked under the strain of those turnovers.
Which is why Jeanty was in anything but a celebratory mood at his locker.
"It feels alright, I guess," he said after a lengthy sigh. "I mean, to me, it's all about winning. Not personal performance. I'm more about winning and putting W's on the stat sheet than my own personal stats."
Then consider this: Jeanty has already lost more games this season with the Raiders - three - than he did all of last season at Boise State - two - where he was a Heisman Trophy runner up.
In fact, he went back to a certain look he had in college - standing straight up pre-snap in the backfield.
And he looked more comfortable in an NFL game than he had in his previous three outings.
"That's how I naturally feel good, standing in the backfield," he said. "So, that's just how I'm going to play. … That's just what I do. No special explanations."
Even with the Raiders' offensive line woes through the start of the season taking on a life of their own, many national pundits began to wonder if it was time to start worrying about Jeanty.
As in, was he worth such a high pick when the Raiders had so many other needs, especially in the trenches.
But contemplating if Jeanty was a bust after three games is as much a waste of energy as it would be to call him the Second Coming after one game against the Bears, right?
"He looked awesome," Crosby said. "Everyone has their opinions about [stuff] in September and … now they're going to jump on the bandwagon. It's simple [stuff]. This happens every year.
"He's an incredible player. He's going to keep getting better. I love the way he works. He's a hell of a player."
So was it just a matter of time before Jeanty had this kind of game?
"He shows it every day," Crosby said. "He shows it every day. Even his numbers leading up to this game - he has more yards after contact than total yards. I don't even know how that's possible. He's an animal."
Raiders coach Pete Carroll was happy not only for Jeanty, but for the offensive line.
"To see Ashton get cooking like that, you can see how special he is," Carroll said. "They can't tackle him in the open field and he makes it look easy, which really good players do. So, we're very fortunate that this game finally came. We've been waiting for it, and everybody felt like it was just an eyelash from happening, and now that he's busted, you can see it."
Still, even in becoming the first Raiders rookie running back to score a rushing TD and a receiving TD in the same game since Bo Jackson at Seattle on Nov. 30, 1987, there were two yards Jeanty and the Raiders wished he could have added.
It was 3rd-and-2 at the Bears 35-yard line with 43 seconds to play. And despite stalwart left tackle Kolton Miller being carted off the field with a sprained right ankle one snap earlier, the call was for Jeanty to run to the left side.
Miller's replacement, Stone Forsythe, and left guard Dylan Parham, seemed to have a miscommunication and Jeanty was stuffed for a one-yard loss.
On trotted Carlson and, well, you know the heart-breaking rest.
And yet…Jeanty said any success he had was due to his O-line, as oft-maligned as it's been.
"I feel like I've been making them look bad," Jeanty said. "It was a great game out there. I was able to see everything, great movement off the ball. We were able to wear those guys down."
Until the fateful end.
Which made Jeanty and his statement game the epitome of bittersweet.
"Most definitely," he said softly. "One hundred percent."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after making an interception during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with teammates after making an interception during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) goes for an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams huddle during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 64-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after rushing for a 64-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 29-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
