Raiders' Ashton Jeanty Criticizes Jets Defense, Sparking Response

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has provided fodder for the New York Jets' defense with recent comments suggesting some players on the unit are reluctant to make tackles. Jeanty, who has struggled to meet expectations since being drafted as the highest running back in seven years, averaged 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie and is down to 3.1 yards per carry this season.

Despite the Raiders' recent four-game losing streak, the 22-year-old expressed confidence in the team's ability to establish the run against the Jets. "I think we can definitely get the run game going, get back on track and just really get after these guys," Jeanty stated. "Couple of guys out there that don’t really want to tackle, but I’m not going to say names."

Several members of the Jets defense acknowledged hearing Jeanty's remarks but largely dismissed them. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick stated, "Of course, whenever our name is brought up, it catches our eye, but the way I operate, I go out there and play 110 percent effort, no matter who I’m playing against, no matter what they say. Obviously, certain things can add a little more fuel to the fire, but at the end of the day, I gotta go out there and do my job."

Jets cornerback Jarvis Brownlee responded on social media with "Stand on that, woe," before adding, "We’re gonna see Sunday."

Jeanty's comments may stem from his film study of a Jets defense that ranks 24th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (128.1) and 21st in missed tackle rate (12.9 percent). In their Week 7 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Jets allowed 156 rushing yards, with Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II forcing a career-high 10 missed tackles. A 63-yard touchdown run by Miami's Caleb Douglas in the fourth quarter, which followed a missed tackle by Fitzpatrick, proved pivotal in that game.

Conversely, the Jets face an offense that ranks 31st in rushing yards per game (74.7) and 3.0 yards per carry. Defensive coordinator Brian Duker expressed confidence in his unit while acknowledging room for improvement. "I’ve got plenty of confidence in our guys," Duker said. "I think it can be better. Obviously, overall there’s certainly room for improvement. I’m always going to want more in that area as well. In this past game, there were a couple of technique things I wasn’t happy with. I’d keep it a little more schematically specific to how we fit things. But I didn’t feel like we were great at it, so this week we’ll address those. I’m looking forward to doing a better job with those this week."

The Jets, who are 2-5, are facing mounting pressure with their head coach reportedly on the hot seat and their star receiver involved in trade rumors. Linebacker Demario Davis characterized Jeanty's comments as "bulletin board material, nothing other than that." He added, "I’m big on the game is played inside the white lines. Simple as that."