Despite drafting talented running back Ashton Jeanty with their first round pick this offseason, the Raiders running game has struggled. The unit is averaging 2.9 yards a carry with eight rushing first downs, both the second fewest in the league this season. Getting things going on the ground seems imperative for this contest.
“I think we definitely could have been a little more disciplined, starting with myself,” Jeanty said, reflecting on Week 2. “Just little things going to proper communication on plays, going the right way. Just little things that kind of messed up our momentum. We didn’t play our best. I mean, we really beat ourselves, is what I feel like. And then, obviously, we’ve got to just continue to get better in the run game. And that starts with me.”
“We want to be able to go toe-to-toe with anybody. … This is a great defense,” he added. “We have to be physical and be tough. We’ve just got to take on that challenge and be ready for them. And like you said, guys like Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, they’re great players. So, we’re ready to step up.”