Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty threw down the gauntlet, straight up taking a shot at the New York Jets defense ahead of their Sunday showdown. Jeanty dropped a bombshell from Vegas, claiming he thinks the Raiders can “definitely get the run game going” against them because, get this, the Jets defense apparently has “a couple guys out there that don’t really want to tackle.” Whoa. That’s a pretty wild take, especially considering how badly the Raiders’ run game has struggled this season.
“Don’t Really Want to Tackle?” Jeanty’s Bold Claim Meets Reality
You gotta wonder about that confidence from Jeanty. The Raiders’ run game has been, well, struggling big time. They’re sitting at a dismal No. 31 in the entire league, averaging three yards per carry heading into Week 8. Three yards! So, to go from that kind of struggle to openly saying an opposing defense lacks the desire to tackle? That’s a bold strategy. It almost feels like a challenge, not just for the Jets, but for his own team to back up his words after their season-long issues on the ground. Can they actually get it going after this kind of pre-game fire?
Jets’ Locker Room Lit Up: “Plenty of Confidence”
You know that kind of talk isn’t going to stay quiet. Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker confirmed he saw what Jeanty had to say, and his response was short, punchy, and exactly what you’d expect: he has “plenty of confidence in our guys.” Not much more needed there, right? Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick echoed that sentiment, letting everyone know Jeanty’s words absolutely made it into the Jets’ locker room in New Jersey. Fitzpatrick laid it out, saying, “Whenever our name is brought up, whether it be an opponent or a past opponent, it catches our eye.” He added that while he plays 110 percent no matter what, “certain things can add a little more fuel to the fire.” Yeah, you bet it does. Jeanty just handed them a whole can of gas.
This Sunday’s game just got a whole lot spicier. The Raiders, desperate to kickstart their run game, have now put a massive target on their backs thanks to Jeanty’s comments. For the Jets, it’s a chance to shut down the talk and prove their tackling desire is 110 percent, just like Fitzpatrick said. Get ready, because Week 8 is going to be a battle of wills, and pride is definitely on the line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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