Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby Calls Out The Ashton Jeanty Doubters After Week 4 Breakout Performance
In the often-disappointing aftermath of a narrow 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, it can be hard to find a silver lining. For the Las Vegas Raiders, that silver lining was shining brightly from their backfield. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty didn’t just have a good game; he had a breakout performance that announced his arrival to the NFL. While the team grapples with a 1-3 start, the emergence of Jeanty provides a spark of hope. And no one was quicker to champion the rookie’s performance and silence his early-season critics than the heart and soul of the team, Maxx Crosby.
This article dives into the Maxx Crosby Ashton Jeanty breakout game narrative, exploring the star defensive end’s passionate defense of the rookie. We will break down Jeanty’s incredible statistics, Crosby’s praise, and what this performance means for the future of the Raiders’ offense.
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty Shines In Loss To Chicago
Despite the final score, Week 4 will be remembered as the game Ashton Jeanty proved he belongs. After a quiet start to his career, questions had begun to surface about whether his success at a smaller school, Boise State, would translate to the NFL. Jeanty answered those questions emphatically, putting the Raiders’ offense on his back.
His final stat line was nothing short of spectacular:
- 138 rushing yards
- 3 total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving)
Jeanty was a force of nature every time he touched the ball. He showcased the power, vision, and tackle-breaking ability that made him a highly-touted prospect. The Raiders’ offensive line had its best game of the season, and Jeanty took full advantage, turning small creases into significant gains. He was decisive, explosive, and consistently fought for extra yards, demonstrating a level of grit and determination that resonates with the Raiders’ identity.
This performance wasn’t just good; it was a glimpse into the future of the Raiders’ backfield. In a league where a reliable running game is crucial for offensive balance, Jeanty showed he has the potential to be a true centerpiece.
Crosby to the Critics: “Now They’re Gonna Jump on the Bandwagon”
Maxx Crosby is the undisputed leader of the Las Vegas Raiders. His voice carries immense weight in the locker room and with the fanbase. Following the game, while clearly frustrated with the loss, Crosby made it a point to passionately praise Jeanty and call out those who were quick to doubt the rookie after just three games.
“He looked awesome,” Crosby said of Jeanty. “Everybody has their opinions about (expletive) in September. Now, they’re gonna jump on the bandwagon. … It happens every year. He’s an incredible player. He’s gonna keep getting better. I love the way he works.”
Crosby’s comments are a powerful defense of his young teammate and a sharp critique of the knee-jerk reactions common in the NFL. He highlighted the absurdity of writing off a player after only a few games, especially a rookie adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional level.
The star defensive end revealed that Jeanty’s performance was no surprise to those who see him work every day. Crosby shared an almost unbelievable statistic that underscored Jeanty’s toughness even before his breakout game.
“He shows it every day,” Crosby continued. “Even his numbers leading up to this game – he has more yards after contact than total yards. I don’t even know how that’s possible. He’s an animal.”
This statement speaks volumes. It illustrates that even when the offensive line was struggling and running lanes were nonexistent, Jeanty was still fighting, breaking tackles, and creating yards on his own. Crosby’s passionate endorsement serves as a message: the team never lost faith in their rookie running back, and now the rest of the world is seeing why.
The Significance of Jeanty’s Performance
Ashton Jeanty’s breakout game is more than just a great individual achievement; it has significant implications for the Raiders’ identity and future.
Validating the Run-First Philosophy
The Raiders want to be a team that establishes a physical presence by running the football effectively. For that philosophy to work, you need a running back who can carry the load. In Week 4, the team rushed for 240 yards, but three interceptions from quarterback Geno Smith ultimately doomed them. While the loss was a huge blow, the success of the running game proves the offensive line is capable and that Jeanty is the right man for the job. It validates the team’s offensive identity and provides a clear blueprint for success moving forward: control the line of scrimmage, run the ball with Jeanty, and protect the football.
A Building Block for the Future
In a season that has started with disappointment, finding foundational pieces for the future is paramount. Jeanty’s performance establishes him as a core building block for the offense. At only 22 years old, he has the potential to be the Raiders’ lead back for years to come. His success takes pressure off the passing game and provides the offense with a much-needed identity. As the team looks to build a sustainable winner, having a young, dynamic running back on a rookie contract is an invaluable asset.
Earning Locker Room Respect
For a rookie, earning the respect of established veterans is a critical step. Maxx Crosby’s vocal and passionate support shows that Jeanty has already accomplished this. By working hard, staying resilient through early struggles, and delivering a monster performance, Jeanty has proven to his teammates that he can be counted on. This kind of trust and camaraderie, championed by a leader like Crosby, is essential for building a strong locker room culture.
Conclusion
While the sting of the loss to the Bears will linger, the Raiders can take solace in the fact that they have found a potential star in Ashton Jeanty. His breakout performance was a powerful reminder that player development is a marathon, not a sprint. It was a day where his talent, toughness, and resilience were on full display for the entire league to see.
Maxx Crosby’s impassioned comments did more than just praise a teammate; they set a standard. They were a defense of a rookie who earned it through hard work and a challenge to critics who are too quick to judge. The Maxx Crosby Ashton Jeanty breakout game narrative is a story of belief, resilience, and the emergence of a new offensive weapon in Las Vegas. The bandwagon may be filling up now, but for Crosby and the Raiders, they knew he was an “animal” all along.
