Las Vegas Raiders Pete Carroll Attempts To Calm Anxiety Around Ashton Jeanty’s Abysmal Production Through 2 Weeks

When the Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high. Coming off a historic collegiate season that saw him become a Heisman Trophy finalist, Jeanty was pegged as a transcendent talent ready to make an immediate impact. However, through the first two games of his professional career, the transition has been more challenging than anticipated, leading head coach Pete Carroll to address the rookie’s slow start with a message of patience and perspective.

Despite the underwhelming initial production, Carroll remains confident in the young star’s potential. His comments highlight the significant adjustment period every rookie faces when moving to the NFL, while also acknowledging the team’s role in helping their prized draft pick find his footing.

Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll’s Optimistic Outlook

After two games, Jeanty has logged just 81 rushing yards on 30 carries, averaging a modest 2.7 yards per attempt. This is a stark contrast to the explosive numbers he posted in college. Following a Week 2 loss where Jeanty gained 43 yards on 11 carries, Coach Carroll emphasized that the team is just beginning to unlock his abilities.

“We’re just getting started (with Jeanty),” Carroll explained. “He’s breaking into the NFL. He’s figuring it out. He’ll get more carries.”

Carroll’s remarks serve as a crucial reminder of the steep learning curve in professional football. The speed of the game, the complexity of defensive schemes, and the sheer physicality of opponents are hurdles that even the most decorated college players must overcome. Carroll also took accountability for the offensive struggles, noting that the team has not been effective enough in the running game as a whole to create opportunities for any back to succeed.

“We have to run the ball more effectively,” Carroll stated. “We only got (68 yards), and that’s not enough. We need more than that. We’re bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come.” This perspective shifts the focus from solely blaming the rookie to a collective need for improvement, signaling a supportive environment for Jeanty’s development.

Jeanty’s Self-Reflection and Adjustment

For his part, Ashton Jeanty is not making excuses. The rookie has taken ownership of his performance, demonstrating a maturity that bodes well for his future. He recognizes that the jump to the NFL requires a significant adjustment, particularly in processing the game at a much faster pace.

“Last week it was on me, I didn’t do a good job of reading the plays. I’ll put it on myself again this week,” Jeanty said, reflecting on his early games. This accountability is a key trait for any young player looking to improve.

He candidly spoke about the biggest challenge he’s facing: adapting to the speed of the professional game. “Just getting used to the speed, honestly. Last week kind of felt like I was moving a little slower, this week felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens, it will be good.”

This honest self-assessment shows that Jeanty is actively working through the transition. His awareness that he needs to play faster and read defenses more quickly is the first step toward making the necessary corrections. It’s a process of his eyes and feet catching up to his natural talent.

The Path Forward

It is far too early to be concerned about a player of Jeanty’s caliber. History is filled with Hall of Fame running backs who did not explode out of the gate. The combination of Carroll’s patient coaching and Jeanty’s self-aware, accountable mindset creates the ideal environment for growth.

The Raiders invested a top-10 pick in Jeanty because of his rare combination of vision, power, and agility. Those traits have not disappeared. As he gains more experience and the offense begins to execute more effectively, his opportunities to showcase that talent will increase. The organization is committed to bringing him along methodically, ensuring he can build confidence and adapt without being overwhelmed. As both player and coach have indicated, more will come. The initial struggles are merely a chapter in a much longer story.