Coming off a 3-14 season last year, the Las Vegas Raiders were under the microscope for many reasons on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins
. Newly acquired veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins was getting the start. How long of a leash would he be on in favor of number one overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza? How would Maxx Crosby respond to the trade debacle? A sophomore slump for Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty?If you can call Week One against the Miami Dolphins a statement, then the Raiders did just that while beating them 27-13 at home on Sunday. The Dolphins just gave Malik Willis a massive deal after sending Tua Tagovailoa to the Atlanta Falcons. NFL predictions have Miami struggling a bit this year and stringing together only 4-5 wins.
On Sunday, Ashton Jeanty would finish with a dominating performance, rushing for 102 yards on 23 carries and adding 2 receiving touchdowns while catching 6 passes for 45 yards out of the backfield. The win was a statement for folks around the Raiders organization after an abysmal season last year, and a reason for Las Vegas fans to be optimistic heading into Week Two.
The Week One performance of Jeanty was just what the Raiders' front office had envisioned for him when they drafted him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He dealt with limitations over the summer because of an ankle issue, but showed no signs of wear on Sunday.
The Raiders won their first game last season, then lost four straight afterward. They hope a collapse this year isn't in the cards anytime soon. They will travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week Two, who are coming off a surprise loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Raiders seeking a new identity under running back Ashton Jeanty
