Ashton Jeanty will have an extremely tough stretch of games in 2025 that could make Pete Carroll's life more difficult
Being a running back in the NFL is not easy, by any means. It's one of the hardest things, because day in and day out, you are getting hit more than any other player, and you're getting hit harder than any other player. Not to mention, it's hard because you have to rely on everyone […]
Being a running back in the NFL is not easy, by any means. It's one of the hardest things, because day in and day out, you are getting hit more than any other player, and you're getting hit harder than any other player.
Not to mention, it's hard because you have to rely on everyone in front of you to do their job, all five, and sometimes even the wide receivers. Now, add all of that up, and then add on being a rookie running back, adjusting to the NFL, and you will have a season that isn't easy to deal with at all.
The Las Vegas Raiders had the worst run game in the league last year, by a very wide margin. It always felt like they were going to take Ashton Jeanty because of that very reason, and, well, have you watched the guy play? They stayed put at No. 6 and drafted the former Boise State Bronco.
He's supposed to come in and help the Raiders right away. And, I think that's exactly what will happen. But, as I just spent two paragraphs saying, it won't be easy. And his final stretch of games, especially, won't be easy.
Ashton Jeanty could struggle in end-of-season stretch
The 2025 schedule isn't terrible for the Raiders, but like every schedule, it does have some tough moments. Specifically, the Raiders are set up to play some very good teams near the end of the season.
Starting in Week 13, the Raiders are set to play the Los Angeles Chargers. But, this isn't the start of a tough stretch because the Chargers will have a good run defense, no, they will actually have a terrible run defense. It's a divisional rivalry, so it will be a physichal game, and both head coaches coaching in this game love to run the ball. The pace will be slowed down, and the ball will be ran. Jeanty is sure to take some hits.
That's just the start of it though, it's actually the worst game of this tough stretch. In the very next week, the Raiders play the Denver Broncos, who have one of the best defensive lines in the league, and certainly have an amazing run game. This is also a divisional rivaly game with a team that now has new found hope with their run game after drafting R.J. Harvey. A lot of running the ball will be done in this game as well.
Then, the Philadelphia Eagles are up next, as the Raiders go into Philly to play the best defensive line, specifically in the interior, and the best run defense. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the Eagles are the reigning Super Bowl champions?
Week 16 features the Houston Texans, a team with two very good edge rushers in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., both of whom play the run game as good as any edge rusher. And their interior isn't too bad either. Their second-level players hit hard and fly to the ball. This game certainly won't be easy.
Finishing the stretch is against the New York Giants in Week 17. Sure, the Giants could have the worst record in the league next year, but that doesn't change the fact that they have Dexter Lawrence, one of the best run defenders in the entire league. They could be a team that is looking to play spoiler against a team like the Raiders, who is trying to fight for a wildcard spot.
None of this is me saying that Jeanty will have a bad rookie season, but it certainly won't be easy. Then again, if you have seen how it was that he got drafted No. 6 overall, you know that if there is any rookie who can have an amazing season, it's this guy.
Ashton Jeanty is already showing off at Raiders rookie minicamp what we rarely saw from the RB room in 2024
The Raiders have to love what they’re seeing already.
