Rashad Jennings Brings Much Needed Aid to Banged Up Giants
When New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings went down last month with a knee injury, the team knew it would be difficult to replace a multi-talented player. Rookie Andre Williams, veteran Peyton Hillis, and Michael Cox were tasked with replacing a player who could not only run with speed and power, but one that could also catch passes out of the backfield as well as pass protect.
As expected, the Giants have struggled to replace Jennings who also had a strong leadership presence on the field. They have barely been able to muster more than few yards per carry which has put even more pressure on Eli Manning and aside from Odell Beckham Jr., a lackluster receiving corps. A lot of blame also has to be placed on the Giants’ offensive line because they have not been able to open up any holes to establish any sort of rushing attack whatsoever.
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It also makes matters worse when Michael Cox was lost for the season last week with a knee injury, leaving a rookie who is clearly still developing in Williams and an aging veteran in Hillis to try to find room to run behind a poor offensive line.
It has been a huge detriment to the offense by having to rely heavily on a passing attack that is also a work in progress by using predictable formations and ultra-conservative play calling.
Luckily for the Giants there is some good news. Head coach Tom Coughlin stated earlier this week that the team expects to have their workhorse Jennings back at least in some form this week in a desperation game at home versus the inconsistent San Francisco 49ers. Having Jennings back even in a limited role, will without a doubt give a jolt to this Giants offense that has been desperate for a spark. Having Jennings on the field allows the Giants to do more on offense which makes them much more efficient.
It’s all or nothing this Sunday for the Giants and they need to take advantage of Jennings’ return and use that to rally around and play physical Giants football. If they can do that then the Giants have a legitimate shot to win on Sunday. If not, then the calls for a regime change will only grow louder as the Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese era could be over.