The Raiders welcome the Tennessee Titans this week in an AFC matchup between fringe playoff contenders.
The Raiders come into the game with the fourth-ranked rushing offense, squaring off against the 20th-ranked rushing defense, making this week’s x-factor running back Rashad Jennings.
Jennings has filled in nicely for the injured Darren McFadden, racking up 340 rushing yards in the past three weeks. On the season, he has 480 rushing yards on 93 attempts and two touchdowns. He has probably earned a starting role, even if McFadden does come back.
The Titans allow 117.1 yards per game on the ground and have allowed the most rushing touchdowns this season with 15 in 10 games. If Jennings can continue his pace, the Raiders should be able to control the game and put points on the board. He is averaging just over 110 yards per game since he became the starter and is running behind the strongest offensive line the Raiders have had all season.
Rookie quarterback Matt McGloin will be making his second career start and will count on Jennings and the rushing attack to help him manage the offense. A strong running game will open up the passing game
for McGloin and ease the burden for the second straight week. Jennings and fullback Marcel Reece will share the Raider backfield and provide McGloin with the stable running game he needs to succeed.
The Raiders can count on their defense to hold the Titans and will need to score and sustain drives to help out them out. Jennings’ carries have increased each of the past three weeks, reaching 22 rushing attempts last week, and should continue to grow as he grows in the offense.
This will be Jennings fourth week as a featured back and defenses may begin game planning around his style. It will be important for the 28-year-old to continue his strong play and provide the Raiders with a stable running game. McFadden may be out a couple more weeks and Jennings will need to shoulder the load, as he has so far.
Look for Jennings to have another strong game on the ground and score at least one touchdown against the Titans’ defense. (h/t RaidersNation)
