Can Mike Washington Take Over Raiders’ Backfield?

The Raiders backfield underwent a major shakeup in Week 8. Ashton Jeanty was benched in favor of rookie Mike Washington. After the Raiders’ win, Washington has a chance to claim the lead role. 

Jeanty has been a disaster this season. He torched the Dolphins in Week 1 for 102 yards on the ground, but he hasn’t topped 60 rushing yards since. In the first seven games of the season, Jeanty was held under three yards per carry five times. 

The running game has been dreadful for the Raiders and was a key part of the four-game losing streak. Head coach Klint Kubiak finally decided to make a change, making Washington the lead back. Of the 27 running back carries in Week 8, Washington handled 25 of them. Jeanty got the other two. 

It is a stark change that could continue if Washington produces. He had 83 yards on Sunday, which is more than Jeanty has had in 21 of his 25 career games. 

Jeanty’s Role

Jeanty still had a role in the offense. He operated as the Raiders’ third down back. He was the second-leading receiver with 64 yards, as his production through the air has been excellent this season. 

Washington has not been trusted by the coaching staff all season in passing down situations, so Jeanty will still have a hold of those opportunities. 

But it would also be surprising to see Washington handle that large of a load. The Raiders will likely give Jeanty more than two carries going forward, especially if they run it 27 times with running backs. 

Plus, Washington did open the door for Jeanty to take short-yardage snaps as well. Washington got eight carries inside the Jets’ 10 yard line; he gained just nine yards and didn’t score once. If Washington struggles in those scenarios, Jeanty could be used around the goal line as well. 

The Schedule 

One other key aspect of this performance is the opponent. The Jets are now 2-6 on the season, as the Raiders continue to beat up on the bottom feeders. 

Next week presents a stiffer test, as the Raiders travel to San Francisco. The 49ers lead the NFL in expected points added against the run. If Washington is able to produce against one of the NFL’s best teams, this will be his backfield. 

The more likely outcome is that the running game will struggle again in Week 9 and leave the Las Vegas running back room in disarray.