Jeanty Shines in Return to Roots Despite Raiders’ Loss

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty showcased his potential in a performance that stood out despite the team’s narrow loss to the Chicago Bears on October 1, 2023. In a tightly contested match at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders fell 25-24, but Jeanty’s return to his unique pre-snap stance yielded impressive results. He recorded a total of 155 yards, including 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns—two through the air and one on the ground.

Jeanty’s trademark stance, reminiscent of the fictional character Michael Myers from the “Halloween” horror series, has been a point of discussion. Pete Carroll, head coach of the Raiders, expressed his enthusiasm for Jeanty’s return to this style. “I loved it,” he remarked following the game. The rookie had previously enjoyed significant success at Boise State, where he was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 2022, amassing 2,601 rushing yards—the second most in a single season in FBS history.

During the offseason, the Raiders’ coaching staff encouraged Jeanty to adopt a more conventional running back stance. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly emphasized the importance of being agile, stating, “It’s a bent knee game… If you’ve got to run a flat route on Fred Warner, you’d better be in a position to run.” Jeanty struggled initially, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry over his first three games, often being hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 57% of his attempts.

In contrast, his performance on Sunday illustrated a significant turnaround. Jeanty averaged 6.6 yards per carry, highlighted by a standout 64-yard touchdown run, marking one of the longest plays in the league this season. “That’s how I naturally feel good standing in the backfield. So, that’s how I’m going to play,” Jeanty stated, reaffirming his commitment to his original stance.

Despite the loss, the Raiders demonstrated promise in their ground game, tallying a collective 240 rushing yards. Carroll noted the team’s potential, saying, “Everybody’s been saying [Jeanty] just needs to break one run… he had a great game, and he looked fantastic for us.”

On a less positive note, Carroll reported that left tackle Kolton Miller sustained a high ankle sprain during the game. The injury occurred in the final moments when Tanoh Kpassagnon of the Bears collided with him while attempting to tackle Jeanty. Miller was carted off the field and subsequently underwent an MRI to assess the extent of the injury.

As the Raiders sit at 1-3, the team will look to build on Jeanty’s performance as they prepare for their upcoming challenges. With a focus on enhancing their offensive strategy, both the coach and players remain optimistic about the future.