Ashton Jeanty Looks Unleashed In Raiders’ Week 1 Win

Brandy Flores joined Matt & Kayla to discuss Ashton Jeanty’s Week 1 performance and why the Raiders’ improved support helped him look like a different player.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 14, 2026, 2:25 PM

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 13: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders greets Tyler Linderbaum...

Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Las Vegas Raiders greets Tyler Linderbaum #65 during warm ups to the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 27-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders opened the season with a win, with Ashton Jeanty’s performance being one of the best at opening week in the NFL.

Brandy Flores of the Las Vegas Sports Network joined Matt & Kayla on Sactown Sports to discuss the Raiders’ Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins, and Jeanty was one of the biggest topics of conversation.

After a frustrating finish to last season, behind an offensive line that was not giving him much help, the opener offered a much better look at his potential

“This is what fans have been waiting to see,” Flores said when asked about Jeanty. “I think the entire NFL has been waiting to see.”

Jeanty entered the league with high expectations after a standout college career at Boise State, but last season made it hard for him to consistently show what made him such an exciting player. Week 1 of this season looked like a different story, albiet against what many project as the worst team in the league with the Dolphins.

Flores pointed to the improved offensive line as a major reason Jeanty got going. Kirk Cousins wasn’t sacked the whole night, the Raiders created lanes in the run game as head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense helped Jeanty get into space.

“Ashton Jeanty was a Heisman candidate for what he did in Boise and what he’s been able to do this season,” Flores said. “You saw him out there behind an offensive line that played very, very well.”

Jeanty also finished with two receiving touchdowns, showing his versatility and optionality in the passing game.

“That versatility matters for a team still figuring out exactly what it can be under a new coaching staff,” Flores continued. “If the Raiders can protect Cousins, lean on the run game and keep Jeanty involved as a receiver, it gives their offense a much clearer identity than it had a year ago.

The biggest difference may be that Jeanty finally has improved support around him to let his talent show, or it could just be a good week against an underwhelming opponent. Flores said Kubiak noted after the game that the offensive line and Jeanty translated what they showed in practice into the game.

Expectations for the Raiders are low this season, but at least in Week 1 they looked impressive.

“I think they did fantastic,” Flores said. “It’s going to be exciting to see them grow from here.”

First overall pick and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza didn’t make an appearance, but Jeanty, their top selection from the draft prior, looked more than worthy of his high draft status.