Sir Psycho Sexy

By Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

November 19, 2009, 5:31PM

Malcolm Jenkins went practically unnoticed during last Sunday's game at St. Louis. And that's a good thing for a rookie cornerback who had a few welcome-to-the-NFL moments earlier this year.


Jenkins saw the most extensive playing time of his young career Sunday, first filling in as the nickel back because of Jabari Greer's groin injury, then moving into an every-down role after Tracy Porter suffered a knee injury early in the third quarter.


He held up well, not giving up any significant plays in the passing game or in run support. This week, he's expected to follow up by making his first career start at Tampa Bay.


"He did well. He did really well," Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. "And I tease him a little bit this week as he steps up again in this role that it's a rookie quarterback (Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman) against a rookie corner. So we'll see who steps up the most and how they do.


"But he's progressing very well. He's stayed healthy (after a nagging ankle injury). And what I hope you and the fans will get to see is that he's one of those rare cornerbacks that's physical like a safety. Not only can he play the cornerback position, but he plays it in his aggressive style, like a safety or a small linebacker. And that's what attracted me to him when I started watching the college film, anyway."


Jenkins (6-0, 204 pounds) said he fully expects the Buccaneers to test him this weekend, to find out what he's made of.


Earlier this year, teams had some success attacking the first-round draft pick out of Ohio State. He had some rough moments in the preseason against Houston and Miami, then he got burned for a 64-yard pass from Detroit's Matthew Stafford to Calvin Johnson in Week 1 when he was in for just a few plays as a temporary replacement.


"Before, it seemed like I'd get out there for two or three plays and miss a tackle or something on one of them," said Jenkins, who held up well after Greer got hurt in the second half against Carolina in Week 9, then followed up last week at St. Louis. "It was good to finally get my feet wet."
Jenkins said his ankle feels better, and he's shaken off some of the physical and mental rust. Like with most rookies, Jenkins said his biggest problem has been trying not to think too much so he can react and play at full speed.
He has proven on special teams that he has natural playmaking ability. He forced two game-changing fumbles at Philadelphia and at Buffalo in Week 2 and 3, then he helped the Saints down a punt inside the 2-yard line against Carolina in Week 9.


He's hoping some of those instincts can carry over on defense.
"The plays on special teams is just about the will, the desire to play and compete. I think that part I can bring over to the defense," Jenkins said. "But it's a little different as far as the assignments and responsibilities."
Porter is definitely out for Sunday's game, and Greer is looking doubtful, too, after missing practice again Thursday. That leaves four healthy corners on the Saints' roster - Randall Gay, Jenkins, Leigh Torrence and newly-acquired veteran Chris McAlister.


Williams said it's still too early to tell how much McAlister will be able to contribute this week with just two practices under his belt so far.

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