Ashton Jeanty, a rookie and the sixth overall pick for the Raiders, is facing significant challenges this season. Despite his potential, gaining yards has proven to be an uphill battle for the young running back. Currently, he has accumulated more yards after contact than his actual rushing yards, a statistic that highlights the difficulties of his situation.
Raider’s Struggles with Blocking
This season, Jeanty has been stuffed for no gain or loss on about 30% of his runs, according to Next Gen Stats. This figure is alarming, as it is over 6% higher than the next player on the list and more than 10% higher than the fifth player. Such statistics underscore the severe issues related to the Raiders’ blocking and offensive schemes this year.
Effectiveness in Tackling
Despite these difficulties, Jeanty has demonstrated a remarkable ability to break tackles. He is rarely brought down by the first defender. Unfortunately, this often leads to him being confronted by multiple defenders at or behind the line of scrimmage.
Adapting Play Strategies
In an attempt to mitigate the effects of poor blocking, the Raiders have shifted their strategies to get Jeanty out in space. Utilizing pitch plays and swing passes, the team has had some limited success. However, this approach can lead to losses as Jeanty may receive the ball deeper behind the line of scrimmage.
Challenges in Pass Protection
The Raiders’ ongoing issues with pass blocking are compounding the situation. Opposing teams are capitalizing on this weakness, intensifying their defensive pressure on every play. This trend further complicates Jeanty’s ability to find openings on the field.
In conclusion, Ashton Jeanty’s run efficiency remains remarkable in the face of significant obstacles. His capacity to gain yards after contact showcases his potential, but without improved blocking and schemes, the challenge will continue. The Raiders must address these concerns to provide Jeanty with better opportunities in the future.
