Raiders GM John Spytek defends Ashton Jeanty from critics

"His success -- I know there's been a lot of narratives out there that he didn't have the season that maybe he deserved or you would expect from the sixth overall pick," Spytek said Monday, via the team’s official website. "Well, that's fine, but it's not just Ashton. There's 10 other people that are out there with him, and it's our job to put a great group of guys around him to help him realize his potential."

Jeanty had a solid season despite what his critics would have people believe, rushing for 975 yards (led all rookies) and posting a total of 1,321 scrimmage yards, which broke Josh Jacobs’ team record of 1,316. Jeanty also had 10 total touchdowns (five rushing and five receiving), which is four short of former Raiders running back Marcus Allen, who had 14 as a rookie in 1982. 

The Raiders' problem isn’t Ashton Jeanty, but ownership and not having a franchise quarterback 

Jeanty getting blamed for how poorly the Raiders played is an insane criticism. The real problem for the Raiders over the years has been ownership and a lack of a franchise quarterback they can build around. Since 2021, the Raiders have had four different head coaches, all of whom at one point or another clashed with owner Mark Davis. 

• Rich Bisaccia: 2021, 7-5 record
• Josh McDaniels: 2022-23, 9-16 record
• Antonio Pierce: 2023-24, 9-17
• Pete Carroll: 3-14

Geno Smith — 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and an AFC-most 17 interceptions — was not good enough in 2025. The Raiders need to address the most important position in the sport, whether with an established veteran and/or a rookie. With the first overall pick, they'll have their choice of the top QB prospects in the 2026 class.

Unless ownership decides to stop meddling in football operations and let Spytek do his job — while also keeping a head coach for more than a season — the Raiders will never get back to the winning organization they once were.