Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty said some Jets defenders don't want to tackle ahead of the Week 8 game at MetLife Stadium. Former Jets coach Rex Ryan criticized him on ESPN, while Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick responded for the Jets.
Raiders second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, spoke critically of the Jets' defensive players ahead of the teams' game at MetLife Stadium. Jeanty called out the Jets' unwillingness to tackle on Wednesday. He was quoted as saying a couple of guys out there don't really want to tackle, but that he was not going to say names.
Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan criticized Jeanty on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown ahead of Week 8, after the running back's remarks about New York defenders. An EssentiallySports headline stated that an ex-Jets head coach blasted Jeanty on live TV after the running back's dig at New York.
Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker said he heard Jeanty's comments about the Jets' unwillingness to tackle. Linebacker Demario Davis said he saw and heard the comments but had no specific comment, adding that the defense's best football is in front of it. Davis also called the remarks bulletin board material. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said he plays with 110 percent effort regardless of opponent or what they say, though certain things can add a little more fuel to the fire.
Jeanty is averaging 3.1 yards per carry this season and 2.8 during Las Vegas's four-game losing skid, with one rushing score. In the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he had 15 rushing yards. Mike Washington got all of the Raiders' first-quarter carries against the Jets, ahead of Jeanty.
The Jets are giving up 127.7 rushing yards per game, 24th in the league. The Raiders entered the game on a four-game losing streak, and a loss would drop them to 3-5. The Jets ruled out Joseph Ossai and T'Vondre Sweat, and David Bailey was doubtful.
