What's wrong with Ashton Jeanty?
If you have been following national media, the lack of production from the Raiders' first-round pick has dominated the air waves. With just 144 rushing yards on 47 carries through three games, pundits and analysts are already affixing the "bust" label to Jeanty's name before we have reached the quarter pole of the 2025 season.
What?!
While I understand "hot take" culture prompts some observers to overreact to box scores and stat lines, I thought this was the perfect time to conduct an extensive film study on the player who garnered comparisons to LaDainian Tomlinson during the pre-draft process. After watching the Raiders' first three games, here are my thoughts on how the Raiders could jump-start their offense with the former Boise State standout entrenched as the offense's centerpiece.
The O-line's struggles have prevented Jeanty from getting untracked as feature back
Despite Jeanty's immense talent and potential, his performance and production have been negatively impacted by the offensive line's inability to control the line of scrimmage. The rookie has rarely reached the hole without dodging a defender in the backfield, as evidenced by his yards after contact (145) exceeding his rushing totals.
Though the frontline's effort has been commendable, the unit's execution and finish are sub-standard. The interior line, in particular, has failed to generate a consistent push at the point of attack. The lack of movement forces Jeanty to pinball into the backs of blockers, allowing defenders to chase him down from the backside quickly.
Given Jeanty's exceptional talent, the Raiders need to create a crack for the rookie to display his dazzling running skills as an RB1 fully. With better blocking at the point of attack, the harsh critiques and outlandish takes will quickly vanish as Jeanty puts up the numbers and points many envisioned when he was selected sixth overall.
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The skill players around Jeanty need to step up
The Raiders' top offensive weapons are clearly Jeanty and Brock Bowers, but the supporting cast must alleviate some of the pressure on the duo by taking advantage of their opportunities when the ball heads in their direction. If they can post solid production as complementary playmakers, defensive coordinators will not be able to load the box or tilt their coverage to neutralize the Raiders' blue-chip players.
In Jeanty's case, the Raiders' inconsistent passing game makes it easier for defensive play-callers to throw extra bodies into the box to clog the rushing lanes on early downs. While Tre Tucker's eight-catch, 145-yard effort on Sunday featured three touchdowns against the Commanders, the "garbage time" production is unlikely to move the needle when defensive coaches craft future game plans, as he becomes a legitimate WR1 consideration.
The same can be said for Jakobi Meyers, Dont'e Thornton and Jack Bech. The trio must consistently punish opponents for playing soft coverage against the Raiders until their individual and collective production forces opponents to switch their tactics to handle a diverse offensive attack that features multiple playmakers with game-changing skills. Until defensive coordinators are legitimately threatened by the supporting cast, Jeanty (and Bowers) will have a tough time finding enough room to post the production expected from an elite running back prospect selected with a top-10 pick.
Jeanty needs more touches
It goes without saying that Jeanty is a workhorse runner in need of a full workload to reverse the Raiders' fortunes. As a collegian, Jeanty not only rushed for 4,769 yards and scored 50 touchdowns, including 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns during his final campaign, but he also logged at least 20 carries in 18 games, with 30-plus carries in eight of his games as a junior.
Given his competitive stamina and production when he touches the ball consistently, the Raiders must find a way to feed the rookie early and often. Although it requires the offense to sustain drives and keep games within a score to convince Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly to remain committed to ground attack, Jeanty is at his best when he surpasses 20-plus carries as the focal point of a run-heavy game plan that wears opponents down over 60 minutes.
Considering Carroll's success utilizing a ground and pound approach, it is only a matter of time before the rookie silences his critics with a breakout performance that showcases his explosive potential as a rugged runner with big play ability.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 3 matchup against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's (98) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker's (1) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders equipment specialist Deavante Hall in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance's (41) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Terrell Edmunds (28) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) arrives to the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Stone Forsythe (70) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant defensive line coach Kenyon Jackson and defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) and cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Daniel Carlson (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) in a huddle before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) walks down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) warming up before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) waits for the team to be introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) waits for the team to be introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) as the team is introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the sidelines before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Justin Shorter (88) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), punter AJ Cole (6) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss before the regular season away game against the the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) goes for a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 37-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) receives the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 37-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) recovers a fumble during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) defends during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) defends during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) defends during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams attempt to block a field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) high-five during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Devin White (45) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96), linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) pressure the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams attempt to block a field goal during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) blocks during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) blocks during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates with tight end Ian Thomas (80) after making a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) blocks during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a 61-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a 61-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making a 2-point conversion catch during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season away game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.
