Every rookie dreams of the moment when they finally announce themselves on the NFL stage. For Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, that moment came under the lights in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. He found the end zone three times, carrying the offense on his shoulders. But when the game clock hit zero, Jeanty wasn’t smiling. The reason? The Raiders had lost yet again.
Jeanty didn’t hold back when asked about his breakout. Speaking with NFL Insider Jordan Schultz and other reporters after the game, the rookie RB admitted he couldn’t truly enjoy the performance. “Feels alright, I guess. To me, it’s all about winning, not personal performance. I’m more about winning and putting W’s on the stat sheet than my own stats,” Jeanty said. His words made it clear: personal milestones mean little when they don’t translate to victories.
According to USA Today’s Raiders Wire, Jeanty’s stat line was nothing short of spectacular. He rushed 21 times for 138 yards, including a dazzling 64-yard touchdown run that electrified Allegiant Stadium. On top of that, he hauled in two receiving touchdowns, giving him three scores on the night. In one game, Jeanty nearly doubled his season output and reminded everyone why the Raiders drafted him as their future workhorse.
Through four weeks, Jeanty now sits at 282 rushing yards on 68 carries and is averaging over four yards per attempt. His growing role as both a runner and pass-catcher shows the dual-threat potential the Raiders envisioned. Still, the rookie was more focused on the “L” than his own box score, a mindset that will only endear him further to teammates and coaches. But why, really, are the Raiders not snapping the losing streak?
Turnovers, Injuries, and Missed Opportunities: The Raiders Can’t Find Their Rhythm
The Las Vegas Raiders’ 25–24 defeat to the Chicago Bears marked their third straight loss and once again exposed familiar problems. Chicago forced four turnovers, including three interceptions from Geno Smith, and sealed the game by blocking Daniel Carlson’s potential game-winning field goal. The Raiders now sit at 1–3, and their inability to protect the football has become the defining flaw of their season.
The offensive line has been at the center of many struggles. Too many sacks and pressures have disrupted the offense, with right tackle DJ Glaze and guard Dylan Parham drawing heavy scrutiny. The lack of push in the run game has limited balance, and constant shuffling due to injuries, including Kolton Miller’s exit against Chicago, has left the group without cohesion. When protection breaks down, the quarterback is rushed, decision-making worsens, and turnovers multiply.
In addition, Geno Smith has not been able to overcome those issues. His mistakes have been a mix of hurried throws under pressure and poor reads in critical moments, which has forced the play-calling to become more conservative. At the same time, special teams failures, which were highlighted by the blocked field goal in Chicago, have erased chances to salvage close games. In a season filled with one-possession contests, these breakdowns are proving costly.
Defensively, the Raiders have been solid at times but inconsistent overall. Early lapses have allowed opponents to build leads, putting more strain on the offense. The pass rush that showed promise in Week 1 has cooled, and without steady disruption, the defense has struggled to flip momentum. While not the primary reason for the losing streak, the defense has not been strong enough to mask the offensive and special teams problems.
In the end, the Raiders’ skid comes down to execution. Protecting the football, stabilizing the offensive line, and cleaning up special teams must be immediate priorities. The issues are correctable, but unless they are fixed soon, the Raiders risk watching their season unravel before it truly begins.