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Rashad Jennings Will Be X-Factor For New York Giants In Week 11

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By @Paul_Jackiewicz

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After losing their past three games, the New York Giants are in must-win mode this week as they get ready to face off against the San Francisco 49ers.

The good news for the Giants is that running back Rashad Jennings is expected to play after missing the past four games and five weeks with a sprained MCL.

If New York is going to snap their losing streak, they’ll need Jennings to have a big game, which is why he’s the X-factor in this contest against the 49ers and their No. 7-ranked run defense.

Jennings was on fire during the first five weeks of the season. He was the most steady part of the Giants’ offense, which has struggled quite a bit this season; especially with their passing game. Jennings ran for 396 yards on 91 carries and was averaging 4.4 yards per carry before going down. The Giants’ offense simply went as he went.

As good as rookie Andre Williams has looked at times this season, he hasn’t been the kind of player the Giants had hoped he would while filling in for Jennings. He’s averaging an abysmal 2.9 yards per carry this season.

One of the biggest reasons for the drop off from Jennings to Williams is that Williams needs to learn to be patient, especially with a Giants offensive line that has been up and down this season. One game they look like world beaters, the next week they can’t block anyone that comes their way.

Jennings just seems to know how to move the ball no matter how New York’s line is playing, which is why he’ll be a nice boost for their offense.

The other great thing about getting Jennings being back is that he’ll force opposing defenses to be more honest when it comes to defending Eli Manning and the Giants’ passing offense. They won’t be able to keep their safeties back all the time to defend the pass. Defenses will be forced to bring extra players in the box to stop Jennings, which will open things up for Odell Beckham Jr. and company.

Paul Jackiewicz is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Paul_Jackiewicz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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