Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty off to slow start after two games

Ashton Jeanty’s first two NFL games have been a reality check for the Las Vegas Raiders and their high draft pick. The sixth overall selection scored a touchdown in his debut but managed just 38 yards on 19 carries in a Week 1 win over New England, then added 43 yards on 11 carries in Monday night’s 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving him with 81 yards on 30 carries through two games and an average well below expectations for a top-10 pick.

Jeanty and the Raiders acknowledged multiple factors behind the slow start. The rookie said he is still adjusting to the speed of the professional game and conceded he misread plays and must improve in pass protection. "I didn't play my best in the run game, and I'll be working this week to be better and be better for the guys up front," Jeanty told reporters. He also pushed back on a suggestion from coach Pete Carroll that nerves played a role. "I don't think I was too fired up. It's football, you're always going to get fired up," Jeanty said.

Carroll has urged patience while also defending his rookie. "He ran the ball well," Carroll said. "He went the wrong way on a play and so that was unfortunate. He's still getting it. We've...