Texans star Will Anderson Jr. called Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty "a dog" after a dominant Week 16 performance. The running back exploded for 188 total yards and two touchdowns.
The Las Vegas Raiders are having a very forgettable 2025 season. They are now 2-13 and go into Week 17 with a game against the 2-13 New York Giants, with the winner taking control of the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
At this point, that's what Raiders fans are looking forward to.
In Week 16, the Raiders fell to the Houston Texans, 23-21. However, there was a bright spot: Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
The Heisman Trophy finalist from a year ago ran for 128 yards and a score on 24 carries and added one catch for 60 yards and a touchdown.
It was Jeanty's second 100-yard rushing game of the year, and the first game where he scored a rushing and receiving touchdown.
After the game, Jeanty received nothing but praise from a number of people, including Texans star defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
“I’ve never been in the game and actually like stopped and was like: ‘man this man’s a dog,’” Will Anderson Jr. said, via Kristie Reiken of The Associated Press. “A ton of respect for him. He’s going to be a really good player in this league. Tough back, tough runner, hard to bring down. He’s going to do a lot of great things in this league.”
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll also had glowing praise for the rookie running back.
“It was a beautiful day to watch Ashton,” Carroll said, via The Associated Press. “His talent is so obvious to me and anyone who has watched him. He’s just really hard to tackle. Guys just fall off of him, and he just keeps striding. It was great to see him have that much space and be able to do his thing.”
It started off as a slow year for Jeanty, and former OC Chip Kelly's play-calling along with Geno Smith's turnovers and the Raiders trailing made it difficult for Jeanty to see a lot of work.
But, going into Week 17, Jeanty has 828 yards on the ground with five scores, so there is a possibility of him hitting the 1,000-yard mark despite the way everything has gone in Las Vegas.
He also has 50 receptions for 326 yards and five touchdowns, so the rookie has played very well after being selected sixth overall in the NFL Draft.
The Raiders finish the year against the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs.