When a team gets shut out 31-0, frustration is expected. But when a promising rookie publicly calls out a long-standing “losing culture,” it signals a much deeper problem. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday’s dismal performance against the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t just another loss in a 2-5 season, it was a moment that put the franchise’s entire direction under a microscope, fueled by the pointed words of a player who refuses to accept mediocrity.
What Did Ashton Jeanty Say About the Raiders After Their Loss to the Chiefs?
Following the crushing loss to the Chiefs, Ashton Jeanty, a promising rookie running back from Boise State, did not hold back his frustration. While he has been a relative bright spot in a difficult season for Las Vegas, his individual performance in the game, six carries for 21 yards and one reception for 13 yards, was part of a disastrous team effort that produced just three first downs and 30 offensive plays.
WOW: #Raiders first-round pick Ashton Jeanty says the team has a LOSING CULTURE after their loss versus the #Chiefs this week.
“If we were being honest, it’s been a losing culture around here for a long time…
😬😬😬
pic.twitter.com/ZUx9xm2bBf— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 21, 2025
As the season approaches its midpoint, Jeanty noted after the game: “I don’t work as hard as I do, and I don’t think anybody else in this building does, to lose like that. So, if we’re being honest, it’s been a losing culture around here for a long time. But we have to continue to work to fix that and bring winning back here.”
His comments highlight a painful reality for the franchise. Las Vegas has not posted a winning record since 2021 and has only reached the playoffs twice in the past nine seasons, exiting in the first round both times. Despite the team’s struggles, Jeanty has shown promise in his rookie season, accumulating 445 rushing yards, three touchdowns on 111 carries, 15 catches for 86 yards, and two receiving touchdowns.
The offensive struggles against Kansas City were severe. The Raiders were held to just 95 yards and never crossed midfield after their opening drive. Quarterback Geno Smith, signed to a two-year, $75 million deal this year, threw for only 67 yards and has delivered an inconsistent performance this season.
The situation was made worse by injuries, as the team was without star pass rusher Maxx Crosby for most of the game due to a knee injury and also lost defensive tackle Adam Butler to a back injury.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ offense had no such problems. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Rashee Rice. Kansas City was in complete control, scoring on its first five possessions and outgaining the Raiders 434 to 95 in total yards. The game was effectively over by halftime, with the Chiefs leading 21-0, holding a 21-2 advantage in first downs, and outgaining Las Vegas 275 to 51 yards.
According to ESPN, Raiders coach Pete Carroll said post-game that the team was well-prepared, but the Chiefs’ unexpected level of play was hard to handle.
