Rashad Jennings earns increased role in Raiders offense
By Josh Sanchez
The Oakland Raiders have been pleasantly surprised by the production of back up running back Rashad Jennings in the absence of starter Darren McFadden, and his success in the starting line up has led head coach Dennis Allen to say that Jennings has earned an increased role in the team’s offense.
“It’s a production business,” Allen said, via the Contra Costa Times, “and when he’s had the opportunity to go in there, he has produced. When you do that, you get more opportunities.”
Allen would not say if that means Jennings can earn the full-time starting gig, but the running back is not focused on that. Instead, Jennings just wants to do whatever it takes to help his team keep racking up the wins.
“We deserve more victories than we’ve been giving ourselves,” Jennings said. “There’s no moral victories. We’re going to continue to grow as a team, no question. But we got to grow up now and learn how to close out games.”
While filling in for McFadden, Jennings has rushed for 190 yards and hauled in nine passes for 93 yards. He is certainly doing his part to help the team win, especially with some of the inconsistencies from quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
If he can keep putting up those numbers, it could only be a matter of time until he becomes a full-time starter.