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New York Giants: Rashad Jennings Is No.1 Back In Early Going

By Kenneth Teape

Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs with the ball during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs with the ball during organized team activities at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings looks to be the lead dog in the early going of what is a very crowded backfield.

In 2015, the New York Giants used a running back by committee approach that didn’t work out as they planned. They alternated series within the game between Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and Orleans Darkwa. Shane Vereen then handled third down and two-minute work, sometimes being sprinkled in earlier in a drive.

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The results were not strong, as the Giants were 19th in the NFL in rushing yards and yards per game, scoring an embarrassing five touchdowns on the ground for the season. The numbers reached that level in large part because Jennings was relied upon as the lead back the final month of the season.

Jennings averaged 108 yards per game in the Giants’ final four contests of the year, scoring two touchdowns. He also had seven receptions for 89 yards, as the Giants finally received some production from the running back spot.

It was too little too late for the Giants, as their playoff hopes were already dashed. But Jennings made the most of being the leader of the pack in the backfield, and he has carried that over to the practice sessions thus far this season.

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“Rashad has picked up right where he left off,” Giants offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said after minicamp practice Wednesday. “He’s improved as far as his reads, he’s improved his pass protection, and he’s even improved in his receiving ability.”

It was imperative that Jennings got off to a strong start this offseason, as there is even more competition for touches out of the backfield this season. The whole group from last season has returned in Jennings, Williams, Darkwa and Vereen, with Bobby Rainey signed in free agency and Paul Perkins selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

That means there is still a chance that the Giants go back to the committee at some point. Part of the reason that the Giants had the committee approach early on was because of Jennings’ propensity of getting injured; last season was the first time in his career that he played in all 16 games.

If Jennings can stay healthy and produce, he could hold off a committee, but it will not be easy. Williams is looking to prove himself, as the former fourth round pick has struggled throughout his career, but lost weight this offseason looking to get into the lineup more often. Vereen has his role cemented, while Perkins figures to factor in at some point.

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For now though, the backfield is Jennings’ to lose. He earned it with his performance at the end of last season, and looks to have improved over the offseason as the coaches are happy with what they have seen in the early going thus far.

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