NFL
Ashton Jeanty Questions Jets’ Tackling Before Raiders Matchup
The Raiders running back sees a chance to revive a struggling ground game. Jets defenders have heard the comments, while Friday’s injury report confirmed absences up front.
Ashton Jeanty questioned the willingness of some Jets defenders to tackle this week, drawing a response from New York before the Raiders visit MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
“Couple of guys out there that don’t really want to tackle, but I’m not going to say names,” Jeanty said Wednesday, according to NFL.com’s account of his comments. The Las Vegas running back said the matchup offered a chance to restart the Raiders’ struggling rushing attack.
That confidence comes with a difficult recent record. Las Vegas ranks 31st in rushing at 74.7 yards per game. Jeanty is averaging 3.1 yards per carry, with that average falling to 2.8 during the Raiders’ four-game losing streak. He managed 15 yards on eight attempts against the Rams last Sunday.
Jets linebacker Demario Davis acknowledged hearing the remarks but emphasized that New York’s response would come on the field. Defensive coordinator Brian Duker expressed confidence in his players while identifying scheme and technique as areas the run defense needed to improve, The Associated Press reported. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said the comments had been discussed without becoming the team’s central motivation.
New York has allowed 127.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 24th. Miami ran for 156 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets last week, including 103 yards and a score from Ollie Gordon II.
The Jets’ Friday injury report also confirmed defensive absences: tackle T’Vondre Sweat is out with a knee injury, and edge Joseph Ossai is out with an ankle injury. Rookie edge David Bailey is doubtful with a groin injury after missing all three practices. Sweat and Ossai were also listed as nonparticipants throughout the week on New York’s final injury report.
The Jets enter at 2–5, seeking to stop a two-game slide. Jeanty’s challenge now moves from the interview setting to Sunday’s rushing matchup.
