Ashton Jeanty wasted no time displaying why he was one of the crucial productive backs in school soccer and a top-10 NFL draft decide.
In Saturday’s pre-season conflict with the San Francisco 49ers, the Las Vegas Raiders rookie launched himself in emphatic style.
Early within the first quarter, Jeanty burst by way of the center earlier than shrugging off cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with a stiff arm that despatched the defender to the turf.
The 5-foot-8, 208-pound operating again travelled 13 yards to the 25-yard line, solely introduced down by security Ji’Ayir Brown with 2:10 remaining within the quarter.
His bodily fashion didn’t go unnoticed by team-mates.
“It fires me up simply seeing the best way [Jeanty] runs,” mentioned quarterback Geno Smith. “He’s operating by way of folks, and he’s not shying away from contact. He’s going to be a particular participant.”
Though the Raiders ultimately fell 22-19 at Allegiant Stadium, Jeanty delivered the sort of efficiency he had been ready for.
A Heisman Trophy finalist in school, he recorded seven carries for 33 yards, together with a 1-yard landing run that capped an eight-play, 41-yard drive to offer Las Vegas a 10-3 lead within the second quarter.
“I’ve arrived, and it’s time to maintain going and make performs for this staff,” Jeanty mentioned.
It was a much-needed bounce again after ending with minus-1 speeding yard on three makes an attempt the earlier week in Seattle.
Jeanty showcased his toughness all through the competition. On a third-and-5 halfway by way of the primary quarter, he powered by way of security Marques Sigle for a primary down.
Quickly after, he caught a brief cross from Smith earlier than taking a heavy hit from linebacker Luke Gifford. The rookie was briefly evaluated within the medical tent for a attainable concussion however returned for the Raiders’ subsequent sequence.
“It was just a bit stinger. First time I had one,” Jeanty defined. “[Gifford] hit me fairly arduous, however I didn’t go down, so I’ll say I received that one.”
Head coach Pete Carroll was additionally impressed along with his rookie’s resilience.
“Jeanty regarded powerful as hell,” Carroll mentioned.
Offensive progress
Regardless of the loss, Carroll felt the Raiders’ offense took a constructive step ahead. With San Francisco resting stars Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Mykel Williams, Smith accomplished 5-of-8 passes for 55 yards, spreading the ball to 5 completely different receivers.
His largest connection was a 28-yard strike to All-Professional tight finish Brock Bowers.
Carroll praised the offensive line, which gave Smith stable safety and allowed simply two pressures. Jordan Meredith began at middle for the second consecutive week, whereas rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson lined up at proper guard.
“[Meredith has] actually taken that factor over and completed a superb job with it,” Carroll mentioned. “[Powers-Johnson] is battling on the guard spot, and we all know we’ve received a bodily man who’s fired up and helps us out, as properly.
“The strikes have been properly chosen, and I feel we’re going to profit from them.”