The Las Vegas Raiders’ rushing attack has been a cause for concern this season, and it was on full display during their recent loss to the Washington Commanders. The 41-24 defeat at Northwest Stadium highlighted the team’s struggles on the ground, as they managed a mere 93 rushing yards. This has led to many questioning the effectiveness of their offensive line and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty’s struggles.
Jeanty, who was drafted by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has been thrust into the spotlight due to injuries to the team’s other running backs. While he has shown flashes of potential, his performance against the Commanders left a lot to be desired. With only 63 yards on 17 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, Jeanty failed to make a significant impact on the game.
But it’s not just Jeanty who is to blame for the Raiders’ struggling rushing attack. The offensive line, which is responsible for creating holes and providing protection for the running backs, has also come under scrutiny. Against the Commanders, they were unable to establish a dominant presence in the trenches, allowing the opposing defense to shut down the run game.
This is not a new issue for the Raiders, as they have been struggling with their rushing attack for the past few seasons. Despite investing in high draft picks and free agents to improve their offensive line, the results have been far from satisfactory. And now, with the team’s top running back Josh Jacobs out with an injury, the pressure is on the offensive line to step up and provide support for the young rookie Jeanty.
It’s not just the fans and media who have taken notice of the Raiders’ struggling rushing attack. Head coach Jon Gruden also addressed the issue in a recent press conference, stating, “We’ve got to get better in the running game, we’ve got to get better on the offensive line. We’ve got to get better at tight end and fullback, we’ve got to block better. We’ve got to coach better, and we’ve got to get better.”
Gruden’s words clearly show that the team is aware of the problem and is actively looking to address it. However, with the Raiders currently sitting at a 1-2 record, it’s essential for them to make the necessary adjustments sooner rather than later.
One possible solution could be to give more opportunities to backup running back Kenyan Drake, who has shown his ability to be a dual-threat out of the backfield. This would not only take some pressure off Jeanty but also provide a different dynamic to the running game.
Another factor that could contribute to the Raiders’ struggling rushing attack is their tendency to fall behind early in games. In their loss to the Commanders, they were down by 18 points at halftime, forcing them to abandon the run game and rely on their passing attack to catch up. This not only makes it difficult for the running backs to get into a rhythm but also puts a lot of pressure on quarterback Derek Carr and the passing game.
Despite these challenges, there is still reason for optimism for the Raiders. They have a talented group of running backs, and their offensive line has shown glimpses of improvement. It’s now up to the team’s coaching staff to make the necessary adjustments and put their players in the best position to succeed.
As for rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, it’s essential for him to not let one bad game define his career. He has shown potential and has the support of his teammates and coaches. With more experience and guidance, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Raiders’ offense.
In conclusion, while the Raiders’ rushing attack remains a significant worry, it’s not a problem that cannot be fixed. With the right adjustments, this team has the potential to turn things around and establish a dominant ground game. And with a tough schedule ahead, there is no better time than now for the Raiders to address their struggles and make a push for the playoffs. Let’s have faith in this team and trust that they will rise to the occasion and prove their doubters wrong.
