Ashton Jeanty is one of the most hyped running backs to come into the NFL in a long time. With that kind of hype comes added scrutiny.
Unfortunately for the Las Vegas Raiders running back, he’s had a rocky start to his career. In two games, he has just 81 rushing yards and is averaging 2.7 yards per carry.
That’s simply not good enough for a player who was drafted in the top-10. While he’s still very young in his career, some are starting to suggest that he might not actually be that good. Former player and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark slammed Jeanty ahead of Week 3.
“To me, Ashton Jeanty doesn’t have that pop, doesn’t have that thing that makes him different,” Clark said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “What’s Ashton Jeanty’s ‘it’ factor? Because when you got it, you got it, and it pops. I don’t think this is a load management thing. I think this is a production thing. This is a pop thing … Ashton Jeanty is playing at Boise State, he’s getting a ton of carries and young men got tired of hitting him. These boys [in the NFL], you think Derwin James is going to get tired of hitting him? You think these [linebackers] in the league are going to get tired of hitting him?
“I’m telling you all, when Ladanian Tomlinson put his foot in the ground, he would be so far away from you on the next step. The explosion, the lateral quickness, it was different. I don’t see that from Ashton Jeanty. I didn’t see that from him at Boise … to me, I think you get into [training] camp and you realize this might not have been the pick.”
“When you got it, you got it and it pops.”
“Ashton Jeanty doesn’t have that “IT” factor”
Clark Facing Backlash for Comments
It’s true that Jeanty hasn’t shown much in his first two games, but the Raiders‘ offensive line has been among the worst in the NFL. He’s frequently getting hit in the backfield after he gets the ball.
Many fans called out Clark for his take.
“FIRE RYAN CLARK IMMEDIATELY FOR THIS TAKE,” one fan wrote on X.
“Imagine if Ryan Clark got told 2 games into his career that he doesnt have ‘it’ ESPN is a complete joke, nothing but idiots trying to go viral on social media,” another fan wrote.
“When Ryan Clark stamps someone as bad you know they are about to be great,” a fan commented.
Jeanty Breakout Could Happen in Week 3
Another reason Jeanty hasn’t had a big game is partly because the Raiders have faced two very good defenses in the first two weeks. The Washington Commanders don’t have a bad defense, but they were middle of the pack.
Last season, they had one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL. The Raiders face the Commanders in Week 3, and this would be a perfect game for Jeanty to break out.
Las Vegas still seems confident that he’ll be an impact player, but he does need to have a big game to calm any concerns. If he can’t get things going against the Commanders, the Raiders may need to rethink their approach to offense this season.
Ryan Clark Facing Backlash Over Comments About Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty