Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty faces heavy scrutiny after publicly criticizing the New York Jets defense ahead of their Week 8 matchup on Sunday. The struggling Jets, sitting at 2-5 and battling critical injuries, counter the remarks as bulletin board material while facing mounting pressure to fix their run defense.

Ashton Jeanty Sparks Controversy With Public Remarks on Jets Tackling

Ahead of Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty drew attention by openly calling out opponents for their defensive fundamentals. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the back didn’t hold back his assessment of the New York defense.

They have a couple of guys out there that don’t really want to tackle.

Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders running back

Jeanty added that he wasn’t going to name names, but the remarks quickly traveled and landed inside the Jets facility. New York head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the comments when speaking with reporters on Friday, framing the noise simply as part of the competition.

This is the NFL, and I get it. Everybody’s motivated by certain things. But man, your true motivation is each week you get a chance to play, and I think that’s about it. But words are always said between players, and that’s just what it is. Our guys will be ready to play.

Aaron Glenn, New York Jets head coach

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick noted that certain things can add a little more fuel to the fire, while emphasizing that his focus remains entirely on executing his assignment.

New York Defense Plagued by Key Injuries Before Sunday

The defensive critique arrives as the Jets manage a depleted roster. Nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat was ruled out for Sunday with a knee injury sustained during last week’s 28-25 home loss to the Miami Dolphins. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey, who leads the team with 5.5 sacks, is listed as doubtful after missing practice all week with a strained groin.

Losing Sweat is a significant blow to an interior front that has struggled to contain opposing runners. Since Week 3, the Jets allow 153 rushing yards per game, ranking 31st in the NFL. Glenn indicated that rookie Darrell Jackson Jr. will step in for Sweat, while Will McDonald IV is expected to fill in for Bailey. Meanwhile, offensive weapon Breece Hall remains questionable with a quadriceps injury after missing four consecutive games.

Las Vegas Faces Severe Ground Game and Tackling Struggles

While Jeanty pointed fingers at New York’s defense, league statistics highlight similar vulnerabilities within the Raiders organization. Las Vegas enters Sunday on a four-game losing streak, holding a 3-4 record and the NFL’s third-worst rushing offense at 523 total yards through seven games. Their 3.0 yards per carry ranks second-worst across the league.

Tackling efficiency remains a glaring weakness for Las Vegas. The team has missed 41 tackles, marking the eighth-most in the NFL, while their missed-tackle rate of 9.4 percent sits at 23rd overall. During their current four-game skid, the defense has surrendered 656 rushing yards while gaining only 223 on the ground.

Linebacker Nakobe Dean emphasized that tackling is an everyday priority rather than a weekly scheme discussion. Head coach Klint Kubiak pointed to systemic breakdowns in alignment and execution, noting that falling behind on the scoreboard frequently forces the team to abandon the run.

You can’t be in the fourth quarter chasing points and expect to be a good run team. So, you need attempts, and in order to get those attempts, then we have to stop the run, and we have to keep our opponent out of the end zone.

Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders head coach

Both Teams Seek Recovery in Week 8 Matchup

The Sunday afternoon clash at MetLife Stadium carries significant implications for two franchises. The Jets sit at 2-5 and attempt to avoid their second three-game losing streak of the season, while the Raiders try to recapture the momentum from their 3-0 start before the losing skid took hold.

Star defensive end Maxx Crosby offered a blunt assessment of the team’s internal mindset heading into the weekend.

I don’t know. There’s a lot of pieces to it, you know what I mean. But it’s just not good enough, simple and plain.

Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end