Jeanty Questions Jets Defenders’ Willingness to Tackle

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty challenged the New York Jets’ defense on October 28, saying he had seen “a couple guys out there that don’t really want to tackle.” He did not identify any players, but said he believed the Raiders could get their struggling ground game moving when the teams meet Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Las Vegas enters the matchup on a four-game losing streak and ranks 31st in the NFL, averaging 74.7 rushing yards per game. Jeanty said the team could get back on track and “really get after” the Jets. He is averaging 3.1 yards per carry, while the Jets have allowed 127.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 24th in the league.

New York players and coaches largely declined to answer Jeanty’s criticism with a counterattack. Linebacker Demario Davis called it bulletin-board material and said the defense was looking forward to showing its best football. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said the comments caught the team’s attention, but he expected players to focus on doing their jobs.

Defensive coordinator Brian Duker said he had confidence in his players while acknowledging the run defense had room to improve. The Jets recently allowed Miami’s Ollie Gordon II to rush for 103 yards and a touchdown.

New York could be without edge rushers David Bailey and Joseph Ossai and defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, who missed a second straight practice. Running back Braelon Allen practiced without restriction after earlier being held back by an ankle issue; Breece Hall and Raiders left guard Dylan Parham were limited. The teams play November 1.