Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty sparked discussion ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Jets by criticizing the Jets’ defense for their tackling. Jeanty, in his second NFL season, stated Wednesday that he noticed “a couple guys out there that don’t really want to tackle,” though he did not identify any players specifically.

Jeanty’s remarks come as the Raiders look to improve their running game, which has struggled in recent outings. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming matchup at MetLife Stadium would present a chance for Las Vegas to gain traction on the ground against New York’s defense.

Jets linebacker Demario Davis responded to the critique, saying he had “no comment” on Jeanty’s remarks. Davis emphasized that the Jets defense, as a unit, is focused on performing at its best in the coming game. “Our best football is in front of us and we’re looking forward to putting that on display this week,” he said, highlighting the team’s readiness for the matchup.

The game holds significance for both teams as they seek to gain momentum early in the season. The Raiders aim to strengthen their rushing attack while the Jets, with defense serving as a key component, look to solidify their performance at home. The confrontation between Las Vegas and New York will mark an important test for both squads’ objectives moving forward.