Las Vegas Raiders rookie Running Back Ashton Jeanty showcased his potential this afternoon at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Even though it was just the preseason, he gave the NFL world a taste of the back he could be in 2025.
He had 7 carries for 33 yards and a rushing touchdown today. It was a massive improvement over the -1 yards he accumulated in his first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Will the rookie running back be able to live up to the lofty expectations in 2025?
Jeanty Looks To Lead a New-Look Team
Jeanty will be a crucial part of a Raiders team looking to turn things around in 2025. The team hired Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Pete Carroll and traded for veteran Quarterback Geno Smith this offseason. Carroll will look to follow a similar recipe that brought him great success when he was leading the Seattle Seahawks. Jeanty will play the Marshawn Lynch role and be a bell cow back for the squad.
The rookie running back joins a Las Vegas offense that includes Smith, Tight End Brock Bowers, and Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers. The team’s offense should be improved. Running back is a position that can make an instant impact in the league. The rookie will look to follow that blueprint this season. Las Vegas’ issue will be its defense. Even with Carroll at the helm, the defense is not expected to be a strong unit. Las Vegas must outscore teams to win.
Final Thoughts
Jeanty and the team close out their preseason on the road against the Arizona Cardinals on August 23. Las Vegas kicks off the 2025 regular season on the road against the new-look New England Patriots on September 7.
