But nearly every positive run comes from self-creation rather than structure. Instead of operating in rhythm, Jeanty is forced to manufacture yards in unfavorable situations. While that showcases his ability to adapt, it also exposes him to unnecessary hits and limits the offense’s overall effectiveness.

NFL evaluators often stress that young backs need a stable runway to develop. Jeanty has been asked to fly through turbulence from day one.

The Offensive Line’s Issues Go Beyond Injuries

While injuries have played a role, the Raiders’ problems up front are rooted in deeper issues:

Inconsistent technique
A lack of power in double teams
Slow-footed interior protection
Missed pickups on stunts
Minimal push in short-yardage situations

The Raiders have rotated personnel in an attempt to find answers, but no combination has delivered sustained improvement. Defenses have noticed: they crash hard, commit extra bodies to early downs, and dare Las Vegas to win physically — something the line has not done consistently all season.

Coaching Staff Forced to Adjust the Playbook

The ripple effect has forced the Raiders’ offensive staff to:

Abandon certain run concepts
Increase shotgun runs to reduce backfield penetration
Use Jeanty more as a receiver to get him in space
Rely on misdirection rather than true power schemes

These adjustments help mitigate immediate problems, but they do not solve the core structural issue — that the offensive line cannot reliably create the conditions needed for Jeanty to function as a focal point.

The Raiders hoped Jeanty could become a three-down threat. Instead, they have had to deploy him situationally to protect him from constant backfield disruption.

A Back Without a Fair Evaluation Window

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Jeanty’s situation is that his true performance level cannot yet be properly evaluated. Running backs are deeply dependent on the environment around them — blocking, spacing, rhythm, and defensive alignment all shape what is possible.

At the moment, Jeanty is running in an environment that minimizes strength and magnifies chaos. Analysts have widely noted that judging him based on current production alone would be a mistake.

When given even a small crease, Jeanty’s talent is unmistakable. But those creases have become rare events rather than sustainable patterns.

Jeanty’s Teammates and Coaches Praise His Resilience

Despite statistical struggles, Jeanty has earned the respect of veterans and coaches for his professionalism and unshakable demeanor.

“He’s doing everything we ask,” one Raiders offensive assistant said. “The kid is tough. He hits the hole hard. He studies. He competes. He’s just not getting a fair shot with what’s happening up front.”

Teammates echo the sentiment, often noting that Jeanty remains energetic in meetings, supportive in the locker room, and unfazed by early adversity.

His mentality has become a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating offensive season.

The Path Forward: Fix the Line, Unlock the Player

If the Raiders hope to maximize Jeanty’s potential, the blueprint is clear:

Invest heavily in offensive line upgrades
Find guards who can generate movement and anchor against interior pressure
Improve communication and technique under a unified blocking philosophy
Commit to a consistent identity in the run game

Jeanty’s skill set — acceleration, balance, and creativity — fits perfectly with a modern, disciplined blocking scheme. But the current infrastructure simply does not support his development.

The Raiders front office understands the urgency. Without solutions up front, Jeanty cannot become the player he is capable of being — and the offense cannot achieve needed balance.

Final Outlook: A Talent Worth Betting On — Once the Structure Improves

Ashton Jeanty’s struggles are not an indictment of his talent. They are evidence of a structural problem the Raiders must address with conviction and clarity.