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Raiders Mailbag: Can team continue building momentum from Week 6 victory?

Oct 15, 2025 at 03:40 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Patick Winsor from New Mexico asks:

"Will we run the ball a little more?"

Over the last few weeks, the Raiders have made it clear they want to run the ball.

It was an obvious point of emphasis coming into the season, drafting Ashton Jeanty sixth overall after having statistically the worst rushing attack in the league a year ago. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly stated a few weeks ago that Jeanty was still going an acclimation period, easing into the rigors of being a starting NFL running back.

Now heading into Week 7, it seems the Raiders are beginning to unleash him.

In Jeanty's first three career games, he racked up 144 rushing yards while averaging nearly 16 rush attempts a game. Both of those marks have increased exponentially since his breakout Week 4 showing, totaling 280 rushing yards over the last three games. In the Raiders' Week 6 win against the Titans, the rookie received a career-high 23 carries.

"We have to make sure we don't overdo it too early, but he's physical, he's tough, he's resilient, he delivers the punishment and also he can take it well too," Pete Carroll said Wednesday. "He's handled himself really well. It's a long haul, it's a long haul. And we have to make sure we're managing him right."

With the goal of properly managing Jeanty, Raheem Mostert has been called upon in the backfield. After being inactive the first three games of the season, he's averaged five yards a carry in his return. While Mostert is an 11-year veteran that the young running back room can lean on, he's also proven to still be productive at this stage in his career.

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Jeff Zuech from California said:

"Great job by the defense and special teams this week."

Jeff is right. The defense and special teams were harmonious last Sunday.

During certain portions of the game when the offense couldn't get going, special teams came through to pin the Titans offense deep time after time. AJ Cole downed four punts inside the 20-yard line, and the Titans offense began seven of their 10 offensive possessions inside their own 30-yard line.

The defense benefited from receiving good starting field position and put the Titans in a lot of third-and-long situations. The Titans offense went 3-of-13 (23 percent) on third downs with the Raiders racking up three turnovers and six sacks on Cam Ward. This was the franchise's sixth time recording at least six games in a game since 2006.

Despite the 2-4 record, the defense has been a unheralded bright spot of the Raiders. They're one of six teams that hasn't allowed a 300+ yard passer or 100+ yard rusher this season and their 1,963 total scrimmage yards allowed are their fewest through six games of a season since 2006.

Special teams and the defense must continue hitting their stride as the Raiders face a Chiefs offense hat's top 10 in the league in total yards and points scored per game.

"It's really important that we play well in all three phases," Carroll said. "We've got to find the balance where one phase of it doesn't hold us back in some way. We had a tremendous game on special teams last week which was really important after what we've been through. Defense did a great job. ... We were ahead, got to play with the lead and we were able to hang on to that."

Ronald Coggins from Virginia asks:

"Do you think the CBs currently on the roster can continue to play well or do you believe Spytek and Carroll will make a move by signing or even trading for a CB in the near future?"

It seems Carroll has faith in his cornerback room as it stands.

The secondary is coming off their best showing, allowing a season-low 160 passing yards along with a season-high 11.81 EPA (expected points added) as a defense. Eric Stokes, returning from his knee injury that forced him out of action Week 5, allowed just 20 yards in coverage. Kyu Blu Kelly was praised for his showing by Carroll after allowing 27 yards on three catches, a huge bounce back after allowing an average of 74.3 yards in his prior three games.

"He had a terrific game last week. He did," Carroll said. "If they go after you, they're going to get you once in a while, and he's been had a couple times, but all plays that he couldn't, he would have played a little bit differently if he had another chance at him. Give him more chances, I think he's going to continue to grow."

With Stokes and Kelly holding it down, rookie Darien Porter could see more reps with the defense moving forward. He played 100 percent of defensive snaps in Week 5 when filling in for an injured Stokes.

As for if any additions will be made, it's very possible if injuries persists. But at the moment, the group is performing above expectations.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) walks out to the field for practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.