Seattle Seahawks take shot at Ashton Jeanty over Raiders RB’s disastrous preseason debut vs. Mike Macdonald’s team

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks - Source: Imagn
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks - Source: Imagn

Early into the preseason, the Seattle Seahawks might have the better running back out of Boise State. On Thursday, the Seahawks squared off against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first preseason tilt for both teams.

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It ended in a 23-23 tie, but the big story was the difference in production between the Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty and his college teammate George Holani. Jeanty, who was the first running back taken in April’s draft, had three carries for -1 yards, while Holani averaged 8.7 yards per carry and scored a touchdown.

The Seahawks X account had a little fun on Thursday, saying:

“Some people are saying @GeorgeHolani is the best RB out of Boise State.”
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Mike Macdonald’s Seahawks held the Raiders to 104 rushing yards, while his group put up a total of 170 yards. Jeanty, who was pegged as the next great running back heading into this year’s draft, had a forgettable preseason debut, with his best carry being for a mere three yards and his worst going for -1.

When Holani and Jeanty were teammates at Boise State, Holani racked up 1,157 yards on the ground in 2023, while Jeanty had 821 in his first season for the team. Jeanty, a former unanimous All-American, is expected to help turn around the Raiders' offense after they averaged a league-low 79.8 yards on the ground last season.

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George Holani making the most of his second chance

Holani is making a strong early case to remain on the roster when the regular season begins.

After signing with Seattle in May 2024, the 25-year-old was waived in August before re-signing to the practice squad. He joined the active roster when starter Kenneth Walker went down with an injury in late December, and he’s hoping to find a permanent place on the game-day roster.

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While Walker has the starter's job locked up and should be ready to go when the regular season starts, Holani will be battling Damien Martinez for playing time this season. The Seahawks drafted the 21-year-old in the seventh round this year after he rushed for 1,002 yards in 2024 with the Miami Hurricanes.

Holani seems to have the early edge, with Martinez rushing for 10 yards on six carries Thursday, for a 1.7-yard average.

Raiders Nation! Check out the latest Las Vegas Raiders Schedule and dive into the Raiders Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Joel Lefevre
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