Ashton Jeanty executed a remarkable performance for the Las Vegas Raiders during their recent game against the Chicago Bears, showcasing his unique playing style and solidifying his reputation on the field. Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy runner-up out of nearby Boise State, was back in his signature pose. He was completely upright with his arms at his sides in the backfield pre-snap. This position has led to comparisons with Michael Myers, the central character from the “Halloween” slasher film series.
In this notable performance, Jeanty racked up a staggering 155 total yards, with 138 of them coming on the ground. Going through the box score, it was clear just how special his ability to break free was, as he accounted for five different carries over ten yards each. His highlight moment came with a 64-yard touchdown run. This play would end up being the second-longest scoring play in the entire league for the season.
Jeanty’s performance was not limited to rushing. He was just as good in the receiving game, scoring three total touchdowns (two through the air, one on the ground). His second touchdown catch marked his third overall score of the game, emphasizing his versatility and impact on the field.
Jeanty became the target of boos and criticism during the first three games of the season. He only averaged 3.1 yards per carry on 47 carries. He was frequently hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 57% of his carries during this stretch. This game against Chicago was a big turning point for him.
Jeanty expressed confidence in his playing style, stating, “That’s how I naturally feel good standing in the backfield. So, that’s how I’m going to play.” His return to form not only helped him get his game back on track but more importantly, it benefitted the Raiders’ 2-1 run over that time.
Coach Pete Carroll was effusive in his praises for Jeanty’s work on special teams, saying the player had finally made an impact after weeks of trying. “Everybody’s been saying [Jeanty] just needs to break one run or whatever. Well, he did, and he had a great game, and he looked fantastic for us,” Carroll said.
Jeanty played a phenomenal game in this contest, completing 6.6 yards per attempt on average. This was a huge improvement to be sure, especially after his disastrous start to the season as most had predicted. All along, his performance has exceeded expectations. Certainly Jeanty and the Raiders are happy to take some momentum going forward.
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