Ashton Jeanty Makes Admission About Rough Raiders Debut
One of the most hyped debuts of Week 1 was Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. Last time we saw him play, he was nearly breaking Barry Sanders’ all-time rushing record for a single college football season.
While the Raiders picked up the win in Week 1, it wasn’t a perfect debut for Jeanty. He did have a touchdown, but he only had 38 yards in 19 carries. The offensive line wasn’t good, but the Raiders drafted Jeanty in hopes that he could mask some of the offensive line issues.
Head coach Pete Carroll suggested that the rookie may have been too “jacked up” before his debut. Jeanty doesn’t necessarily agree with that assessment, but he does know he has to be better.
“I don’t think I was too fired up,” Jeanty told reporters on Thursday. “It’s football, you’re always going to get fired up, but I think, in terms of the game, just making reads I’ve always made, just being better, honestly. I didn’t play my best in the run game, and I’ll be working this week to be better at that and be better for the guys up front.”
Things Don’t Get Easier for Jeanty in Week 2
The New England Patriots do have a strong front seven, so it was always going to be difficult for Jeanty to have a big game. Unfortunately, the task doesn’t get easier in Week 2.
The Los Angeles Chargers have a stout defense and are strong against the run on the defensive line. Khalil Mack is still one of the best defensive ends at defending the run in the NFL. That said, the Kansas City Chiefs averaged 5.8 yards per carry against the Chargers in Week 1.
The Chiefs aren’t known for their rushing attack, but were still able to move the ball on the ground against Los Angeles. With the Raiders proving to have a strong vertical in Week 1, the Chargers might not stack the box too much. That could give Jeanty more opportunities to break off some big runs.
Should Raiders Be Concerned?
When a team uses a top-10 pick on a running back, it’s hard for fans to be patient. Every year, there are good running backs found in later rounds, so they have to be a star if they’re drafted so early.
If it was just a rough debut, it’d be easier to dismiss it, but Jeanty also didn’t do much in the preseason. The biggest concern with him coming out of college was whether or not he’d be as effective at the NFL level after playing at a smaller school in Boise State.
It’s still too early to be concerned. The offensive line isn’t clicking yet, and it was Jeanty’s first NFL game. He’s a relentless worker with incredible physical gifts. He just needs one big game to quiet the noise. However, if he flops against the Chargers at home on Monday Night Football, it’s going to make things quieter. The Raiders won’t give up on him after two lackluster games, but it would make things a lot easier if he’s able to have a big game.
Why The Houston Texans Should Trade For Tyreek Hill
The prospect of trading for Tyreek Hill may seem daunting to many NFL teams, largely due to the specter of an Antonio Brown-like situation. Hill’s past off-field concerns, while not currently active, still cast a shadow over his market value. Teams fear locker room disruption, media scrutiny, and the potential for volatility. As a result, the trade market for Hill is unlikely to be robust, despite his elite talent. But for the Houston Texans, this is precisely the kind of opportunity that could accelerate their rise to contention.
Houston has quietly built one of the strongest locker room cultures in the league. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has instilled discipline, accountability, and unity in a young, hungry roster. With C.J. Stroud emerging as a franchise quarterback, the Texans are well-equipped to absorb a high-profile personality like Hill. Unlike other teams, Houston doesn’t need to fear the risk—they have the infrastructure to manage it.
Financially, the move is feasible. Hill is owed just $11.8 million for the current season, including bonuses. For a player of his caliber—a perennial All-Pro with game-breaking speed and unmatched separation ability—that price is a bargain. The Texans have cap flexibility and could easily absorb the contract without jeopardizing future moves. More importantly, Hill’s presence would immediately elevate the offense, giving Stroud a true No. 1 weapon and forcing defenses to respect the deep threat on every snap.
Miami’s situation appears increasingly unstable. If the Dolphins decide to reset or retool, Hill could be one of the first pieces to go. Houston should be ready to pounce. The lack of competition in the trade market means the Texans wouldn’t need to overpay in draft capital. A second-round pick or a package of mid-tier assets could be enough to land one of the league’s most explosive playmakers.
In short, the Texans are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this moment. They have the leadership to manage Tyreek Hill, the financial flexibility to afford him, and the competitive urgency to make a bold move. If Miami waves the white flag, Houston should not hesitate. This is the kind of calculated risk that turns playoff teams into Super Bowl contenders.
It's a complicated fit in Houston, but one that would certainly provide a lift to this passing attack on the field for both the benefit of C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins. We've seen Nick Caserio putting together some interesting moves at the helm in the Texans' front office, but pulling off a midseason Hill trade would probably rise to the top of that list pretty quickly.
