EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The Raiders appear to be sending a message to Ashton Jeanty through his playing time.
After the running back questioned the willingness of some Jets defenders to tackle earlier this week, the Silver and Black opened Sunday’s game by giving Mike Washington the first seven handoffs.
Jeanty didn’t get his first touchdown until catching a pass on the Raiders’ first possession of the second quarter. His first carry took place on the same route, for only 1 meter.
It has not been confirmed whether this amounts to unofficial discipline. But the early distribution of work is striking, considering Jeanty’s place in the offense and the attention his comments received before the game.
For now, the message appears to be coming through rotation rather than a public announcement.
Jeanty provided the backdrop when asked what he saw in the Jets defense that gave him confidence the Raiders could run their tough running game.
“A few guys who don’t really want to tackle,” Jeanty said. “But I won’t say any names.”
He also expressed confidence that the Raiders could take advantage.
“I think we can definitely get the running game going and get back on track,” Jeanty said. “Really take on these guys.”
These comments put more emphasis on a game in which the Raiders already had a lot to prove. They entered Sunday needing to correct their own deficiencies, including a running game that too often left the offense searching for answers.
Emphasizing an opponent’s strength only added another layer.
However, on the first play of Sunday’s game, Washington was the running back who had the opportunity to test that endurance. His seven carries accounted for every rushing attempt by a Raiders running back until Jeanty got a helping hand in the second quarter.
That doesn’t explain why the Raiders managed the workload that way. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak will ultimately have to explain whether the rotation reflects discipline, a football decision or some other consideration.
But if the intent is to hold Jeanty responsible for giving the Jets extra motivation, limiting his early opportunities would be a direct way to make that point.
It also remains to be seen how long this arrangement will last. An initial stint on the sidelines does not necessarily mean a complete reduction in responsibilities.
But for now, the contrast is unmistakable. Jeanty spent part of the week discussing what the Raiders could exploit in the Jets defense.
Washington received the first seven chances to do something.
Gn sports
