Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak held himself accountable for Mike Washington Jr.’s lack of playing time in the loss to the New England Patriots in his Monday afternoon press conference. Initially, in the postgame presser on Sunday, Kubiak made some contradictory statements about the running game. However, the lack of a run game has become an issue that he must address.
Washington ran all over the place in the preseason against the 2s, 3s, and 4s. With 25 regular-season carries, he has produced
125 yards and a touchdown. Averaged 5.0 yards per carry and owns the longest run of the season, 35 yards. What should earn him more touches is the 2.3 yards before contact and 2.7 yards after contact he is averaging per rush; both are team highs.
Ashton Jeanty is hurt. Jeanty may continue to display toughness and a willingness to fight through the pain. But at some point, his lack of production can’t continue to hold the team back. This season, Jeanty has carried the ball 88 times for 291 yards and is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. His pass-blocking ability, meshed with 215 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 22 catches, would indicate more of a third-down back or complementary role.
Is Washington in the doghouse?
Kubiak complimented Dylan Laube for his pass protection abilities. In doing so it seemed as though he was chiding Washington about his. Given the fact Kubiak has had to employ 7-man protection (max-protect) during passing attempts, it would make sense as to why Washington’s role was phased out in game.
Regardless, the Raiders need fresh legs and ankles to make the offense less one-dimensional. Laube’s 2-yd score paired with Washington’s run against the New Orleans Saints remain the only rushing touchdowns in five weeks. That has to change. Washington is a big play waiting to happen and it’s up to Kubiak to take the leash off and let the big dog run.
