Raiders' Jeanty, Carroll preach patience as RB gets used to NFL speed

The Las Vegas Raiders are preaching patience with rookie running back Ashton Jeanty's slow start.

Las Vegas made Jeanty the first tailback drafted in the top six since 2018. The Boise State product hasn't made a big impact in his first two NFL games, however, averaging 2.7 yards per rushing attempt.

"Just getting used to the speed, honestly," Jeanty said after Monday's 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, according to team reporter Levi Edwards. "Last week, kind of felt like I was moving a little slower. This week, felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens, it will be good."

Jeanty carried the ball 19 times for 38 yards and one touchdown in his NFL debut against the New England Patriots. He was limited to 11 carries and 43 yards versus the Chargers.

"Last week, it was on me, I didn't go a good job of reading the plays. I'll put it on myself again this week," Jeanty added. "Could've broken for bigger on some runs, and O-line did their thing. I've just got to continue to get better so I can be a game-changer for us."

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said it's a matter of time until Jeanty breaks out, adding that his workload will increase as the season goes on.

"We're just getting started," Carroll explained, according to Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "He's breaking into the NFL. He's figuring it out. He'll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 team rushing yards), and that's not enough. We need more than that. We’re bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come."

Jeanty entered the NFL as one of the best running back prospects in recent years after collecting 5,631 yards and 56 touchdowns from scrimmage in three seasons at Boise State.

The Raiders' offense averaged just 3.4 yards per play against the Chargers. Quarterback Geno Smith threw three interceptions and was sacked three times.