Getting a Back on Track (Vol. 5)

Following a miserable defeat to the IND Colts in Week 5, the Las Vegas Raiders bounced back and handed the TEN Titans a little bit of their own medicine as they won 20-10 in Las Vegas. There has been a growing prevalence that RB Ashton Jeanty has to begin to get more production because he was picked at no. 6, as we already know. This is not a criticism of Jeanty because he's almost one-third through his rookie year. The hype and hysteria surrounding his first few games was completely unwarranted. Not enough beef up front was causing imbalance and running room. Some changes including G Jackson Powers-Johnson returning from a concussion has been very helpful. Against the Titans, Jeanty had a long run of 13 yards but he accumulated most of those gains with more push upfront. With 75 yards rushing, it became clear that Jeanty is solidifying better results on a more consistent basis. I think with a heavier workload this past week, he will grab more carries and get more comfortable. He did note that he is adjusting to more carries but that he will be fine. Before, he mentioned how he was ready to help the team and do whatever was necessary. Now that OC Chip Kelly and HC Pete Carroll are scheming up at the right time, has benefitted the team. I just hope that Jeanty stays on this course and does not jeopardize his own growth by limiting his carries. I think that Jeanty is a back that has the measurables to be more impactful and even dominant. He seems like he just needs those extra carries to gain that confidence to see those running lanes develop. As a Raiders fan, there is nothing more exciting than seeing a rookie like Jeanty, respond to critics and gain more credibility as our lead back.