Pete Carroll offers explanation to Ashton Jeanty’s rough debut

One of the big storylines coming out of the Las Vegas Raider first preseason game was the struggles of running back Ashton Jeanty.

The sixth overall pick did not get much time to prove himself on Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks, but he could not take advantage of the opportunities he was given. Jeanty ended the game recording -1 rushing yards on three carries. He was swallowed up on most runs by the Seahawks defensive front, and fans have already questioned whether the Raiders have made another draft decision that will haunt them.

Despite the rough beginning to his NFL career, Jeanty still has Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in his corner.

Carroll defends his running back as he faces increased scrutiny.

During a press conference on Friday, Carroll said that the offensive gameplan the Raiders rolled out against the Seahawks was mostly to blame for Jeanty not doing anything of note.

“We were basic,” Carroll said via Vegas Sports Today.“We didn’t get the movement we wanted. Ashton [Jeanty] didn’t get a chance.”

Jeanty’s struggles is worthy of some early concern, but it is important to not overreact to one game.

Much of his struggles could be pointed out to the offensive line, which could not open up running lanes for Jeanty. It forced Jeanty to try and make something out of nothing on his carries, which he did not have the time and space to do. It is a difficult position for a rookie playing his first game to be in, but such is life for Jeanty, especially under the microscope that his high draft status places him.

The Raiders play the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 16, so Jeanty will get another chance to get himself back in the good graces of the fanbase.