Raiders' Jenkins Will be Key Against Bears' Running Game

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins played a big role in his team's 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 6, and he will need to do so again Sunday.

Jenkins made three combined tackles, including one for a loss, and a sack in the victory last weekend, his first sack since the 2019 season, during his first stint with the Miami Dolphins.

Raiders Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham was also Jenkins' defensive coordinator at that time. Between that and his time with the veteran defensive tackle in Las Vegas, Graham is well aware of the value Jenkins brings to his defense, including the impact he can leave on Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

"I spent time with John back in '19, I believe, in Miami," Graham told reporters on Tuesday. "And the biggest thing I could say about him is consistency in terms of -- and that's what you need from that position, especially when you think about this week going against Chicago. I think they're either seventh or eighth in rushing, and you need somebody in there who is going to be stout, play with his hands, be able to get off the blocks, and make tackles, especially against the running game like we are about to see.

"And for the bulk of his career, again, in the few years we've been together, he's done a good job of that. He's done everything we've asked, he's worked hard in the weight room, he's worked hard in the meeting room, he's worked hard out there on the practice field. And consistency; that's how you get to play that many years in this league, especially at that position."

The Bears are averaging 136.0 rushing yards per game this season and have been second in the league in running over the last three weeks with 170.3 rushing yards per game.

Jenkins has registered 20 combined tackles, two for losses, a sack, and a pass defensed through six games.

The Silver and Black will head on the road to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1:05 p.m. EDT/10:05 a.m. PDT.

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