NFLOct 9
Raiders Aim to Strengthen Run Game After Early Stumbles
Las Vegas has shown progress on offense but continues to face challenges establishing the ground attack led by Ashton Jeanty.
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
Offensive Gains Mask Run Shortfalls
The Raiders have advanced in several offensive areas, ranking eighth in points per game at 28.7 while their quarterback has thrown a league-high 11 touchdowns. Yet the rushing attack has lagged, producing just 72 yards in a recent 30-27 loss. This marks the third straight week without consistent production on the ground, echoing last year's poor marks of 82.7 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per attempt.
Key Factors Behind the Decline
After a strong Week 1 showing of 137 rushing yards including 102 from Jeanty on 23 attempts, the team has dropped to 32nd in yards per attempt at three and 28th in yards per game at 80.7 over the past three weeks. Jeanty has posted a 35.9 percent rush success rate and minus-23.2 rush EPA through four games while dealing with an ankle and foot injury. The unit ranks 30th in yards before first contact per attempt at 1.34 and has recorded the most carries for zero or negative yards at 29. Opponents have stacked the box on 30.3 percent of run plays, the fourth-highest rate, leading to nine carries per game against such defenses where the Raiders average 2.3 yards per carry.
Focus on Improvement Moving Forward
The Raiders enter their next matchup against the New England Patriots needing to address playcalling, blocking and execution to build on their first-month results. Jeanty has noted the need to break tackles and make bigger plays when opportunities arise, while the offensive line must create better angles and second-and-short situations. With an outside zone scheme in place and added experience in the backfield, the team believes the run game can still become a core strength.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
