The Las Vegas Raiders are shaking up their backfield, but Ashton Jeanty’s struggles may be a symptom of a much bigger problem with Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme.
The Raiders have a running back problem, but the more precise diagnosis may be a scheme problem. Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers could settle which one it is.
Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in 2025, has numbers through 25 games that are nearly identical to Trent Richardson’s, according to a post from A to Z Sports’ Justin Churchill. Last week, rookie Mike Washington Jr. led the rushing attack while Jeanty was used mostly as a decoy and receiver. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the Raiders hope the move serves as a wake-up call and that they are content to tilt carries toward Washington if it does not.
Kubiak was noncommittal Friday. “I just know both guys are going to play, and Dylan (Laube),” he said.
The data suggest the issue extends beyond personnel…
Per Sports Info Solutions, Jeanty has 23 carries on inside zone for 79 yards, while Washington has 11 for 39. Jeanty has been hit at or behind the line on nine of those runs and stuffed four times. Defenses appear to have identified the pattern. With Jeanty on the field, opponents stack the box, which also neutralizes play action, since the run is already accounted for and the flat and hook zones are covered.
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Washington’s usage is different. When he plays, the Raiders lean on wide zone, a scheme that rewards runners who can bend the run back inside, bang it to the intended zone or bounce it to the edge. Washington appears better suited to those reads right now.
That raises a question the coaching staff must answer: Is the offense predictable because of who is carrying the ball, or is the ball carrier limited because the offense is predictable? A shift to Washington addresses one variable. It does not address the other. Adding less common concepts such as “wham” and “duo” would test whether defenses can still load the box so confidently.
The timing matters. Inside zone has worked against weaker opponents but has not yet produced against a good team. The 49ers will provide the first real answer.
If the Raiders adjust and the run game improves, the problem was design. If it does not, the problem runs deeper than just Ashton Jeanty.
*Top Photo: Getty Images