Jenkins' Late TD Exemplifies Raiders' Progress on D
On cut-down day, the Las Vegas Raiders decided to keep more defensive linemen than any other position group on the roster. As the season progressed, that looked to be one of the wisest decisions of the former coaching regime.
The Raiders pride themselves on being able to scout and develop their young talent properly. They also were sure to add a veteran presence to most of their position groups.
Such was the case with the defensive line, where Las Vegas added youth and veteran leadership.
One of the veteran additions to the roster was defensive tackle John Jenkins, who has quietly had the best season of his career.
Jenkins was already having a career season. Then he returned a fumble 44 yards for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, notching the first score in his 11-year career.
"Listen, me being a nose tackle, a lot of times when we pick up the ball, the referee always blows the whistle, and they don't believe we're in the right," Jenkins said. "But for the first time, I just kept on going. I saw my dog Maxx [Crosby] give me the green light, and I just took off, didn't tilt my head back and just kept on going."
Jenkins' first score in the National Football League means he has now scored at every level of football he has played. It was his first score since he was in college.
"College, college, yeah," Jenkins said. "So, now I can honestly say besides peewee, I scored on every level. So, it's a blessing, man. I can't even lie.
"Oh, yeah, I had Maxx [Crosby] right next to me. I'm looking at the Jumbotron, too. I was aware of my surroundings and kept my head on the swivel. So, that's how I knew it was six."
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins' late touchdown showed just how far the defense has come.
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
In a difficult season for Las Vegas, their veteran defensive tackle scoring a touchdown felt good for everyone involved.
Jenkins believes moments like his touchdown show how much progress the defense has made, but also shows how close the team still is after all they've been through.
"I mean, it felt good, right? It's been tough," Jenkins said. "It's been an up-and-down situation for us. But at the end of the day, you can tell we still have the locker room. We still enjoy one another. We still have that bond, and we're still building together. So, we enjoy it. We're just taking it day by day, minute by minute, game by game.
"Yeah, we played hard for everybody, man. Whoever is in this building, we're playing for. That's how we are. Everybody can see it, no matter win or lose, we're just going out there swinging every chance we get and every opportunity we have."
For a team that appeared lifeless for the first eight games of the season, a little fun and a lot of fight was good to see from the Raiders.
The Silver and Black will return to action versus their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Christmas Day in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Don't miss it on Monday, December 25, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.
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