Rex Ryan rips Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, who takes backseat role against Jets

Rex Ryan, the former Jets head coach and current ESPN analyst, expressed his disappointment with Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty after the team's Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets. Jeanty, who was selected sixth overall in the 2025 draft, had been struggling with production from the Raiders' run game during the 2026 season.

The Raiders entered the game ranked 31st in rushing yards per game and 31st in yards per rush, both the lowest rankings in the league. Despite this, Jeanty had a challenging season, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, a significant drop from his rookie-year mark of 3.7. In response to the team's run game woes, the Raiders had signed center Tyler Linderbaum to the highest contract in the position's history, a three-year, $81 million deal.

However, Jeanty saw the Jets game as an opportunity to turn things around. He stated, "I think we can definitely get the run game going," and took a shot at the Jets defense, saying, "Get back on track... A couple guys out there that don't really want to tackle, but I'm not going to say names." In response, Ryan took to "Sunday NFL Countdown" to voice his displeasure with Jeanty's comments, calling him one of the worst draft picks in the last 20 years and saying, "You stink.

You're averaging 3.1 yards per carry... It's on you, my friend." The comments may have caused tension within the Raiders' locker room, as Jeanty saw minimal playing time in the game, carrying only once for one yard and catching a single pass. Mike Washington, the team's backup running back, saw more action, hauling in seven carries for 24 yards.