The Raiders Are Overthinking Ashton Jeanty

What exactly are the Las Vegas Raiders doing with Ashton Jeanty?

In his first NFL action, the Boise State standout carried the ball three times… for negative one yard. While the box score looks ugly, the bigger story is why: the Raiders are trying to change his stance in the backfield.

This is the same Ashton Jeanty who finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy last season behind Travis Hunter. The same back who racked up 2,601 rushing yards — with an absurd 1,907 of those yards coming after first contact. For perspective, Jeanty’s yards after contact alone outgained the total rushing yards of the nation’s second-leading rusher.

He forced 164 missed tackles, recorded 10 runs of 50+ yards, and came dangerously close to Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. That production came with Jeanty lining up in a stance that clearly worked for him.

Now in Vegas, he’s being told to change it. On the surface, the adjustment might seem minor, but for a runner whose success is built on rhythm, comfort, and explosiveness, it’s a major shift.

It’s like telling Michael Myers to start running in a horror movie. The slow, steady walk was his calling card — and he still got where he needed to go. Some things just don’t need changing.

Jeanty’s stance isn’t the problem. It’s part of what made him one of the most dangerous backs college football has ever seen. The Raiders would be wise to let him be himself and trust what got him here.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.