Why Rashad Jennings Deserves Starting RB Job over Maurice Jones-Drew

Rashard Jennings is expected to be the starting running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars come kickoff in Week 1.

As reported by Michael Fabiano of NFL Network:

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Report: Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey says Rashad Jennings will start in Week 1 regardless of MJD's status.

— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) August 27, 2012"

Additionally, an article by Gene Frenette of the Florida Times-Union:

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Head coach Mike Mularkey, who has yet to meet Jones-Drew face-to-face, said at his press conference Monday that he expects Rashad Jennings to be the starter to open the season. However, he did clarify as he left the room that he wasn’t ruling Jones-Drew out as the opening-day starter.

"I expect Rashad [Jennings] will start, we'll just have to see," Mularkey said.

"

This comes as no surprise given the holdout of Maurice Jones-Drew, and Jennings has earned the role in coach Mike Mularkey's backfield.

To that end, let's break down Jennings and why he's the right man for Jacksonville's offense.

Is a Better Dual-Threat Than Accredited

Through the 2009 and 2010 NFL seasons, Jennings accounted for 985 total yards and scored five times in 28 games played.

No, these aren't numbers indicative of a true No. 1 back, but this was as the No. 2 guy behind MJD.

So a lack of contributions, production and opportunities were certainly expected. Now, though, Jennings' chance is alive after averaging almost six yards per touch between his first two seasons.

Unfortunately, he did miss all of 2011. Well, combine his dual-threat potential and motivation upon returning and the Jaguars can't go wrong. Obviously Jennings does have much to prove considering his little amount of regular season playing experience.

On the bright side, the man has performed nicely throughout the preseason.

Preseason Production Worth a Shot

Through all three preseason contests Jennings has amassed 175 rushing yards on 36 carries.

This average of 4.86 yards per carry is quite impressive and you can see the confidence he possesses with each attempt. Plus, it's not like the Jags have faced some weak rush defenses each exhibition game.

First it was the New York Giants who present the NFL's best front four, and Game 3 was against the Baltimore Ravens. Taking the Jaguars' unproven passing attack into strong consideration, Jennings displayed consistent reliability.

Now yes, these are just preseason matchups and the games are mostly for evaluation and developmental purposes only. Defenses will certainly be a tougher challenge in the regular season.

Still, Jennings had to prove he could act as the main ball-carrier with Jones-Drew holding out, and he's fared well thus far. The Jaguars also need this kind of presence in the backfield, because fielding a balanced offense will take an immense amount of pressure off Blaine Gabbert and rookie receiver Justin Blackmon.

Jaguars Can't Afford to Be Unbalanced

A big part of Jacksonville's 2011 shortcomings were the unbalanced effectiveness.

Jones-Drew ran the rock over every defense last season en route to compiling 1,606 rushing yards which led the league. On the flip side was the passing offense that ranked dead last.

So, the Jaguars presented the NFL's top rusher and least threatening aerial assault when trying to keep opponents off-balance. As for 2012, the only chance Gabbert has of developing with this new and improved receiving corps is from an effective ground game.

Play-action pass from under center and shotgun is vital to limiting a defense's blitz package and cover players pressing at a consistent rate. Jennings, fortunately, has allowed the Jags' passing game to respectably flourish this preseason.

To this point, Gabbert has connected on 29-of-47 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns to zero picks. With receivers like Blackmon and Laurent Robinson fully capable of consistently beating single coverage, a running game that defenses must honor opens up the playbook to numerous options.

And if the Jaguars do present a more balanced attack in 2012, especially with Mel Tucker's defense possessing top-five potential, Jacksonville is much more dangerous than at first glance this season.

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