Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start.

Attached Thumbnails · 11-19-2009, 06:43 PM

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.

ARTICLE

SmashMouth · 11-19-2009, 07:06 PM

Sweet ..... Guess we get to see how good this kid is!

iceshack149 · 11-19-2009, 07:13 PM

"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.

I love the challenges GW gives to his players.
Go get 'em, Jenkins!

Danno · 11-19-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by SmashMouth

Sweet ..... Guess we get to see how good this kid is!

Not sure we'll see how good or bad he is. Its rare that CB's blossom in their 1st year. We may see glimpses of things we like, but I expect he'll make quite a few rookie mistakes. Lets just hope they don't cost us points or lead to a loss.

lumm0x · 11-19-2009, 08:31 PM

Good luck Malcolm. Wishing you a great game.

MatthewT · 11-19-2009, 09:28 PM

If Sharper can go, I am not that worried. If Sharper is a scratch, then I am worried sick. I did predict earlier in the year that Jenkins would eventually start this season, time to see how he does. I've been very impressed so far with Jenkins on special teams, not really sold on him yet in the secondary. I honestly believe he will eventually be moved to safety and he will be a star. This kid has some serious talent!

RaginCajun83 · 11-19-2009, 09:46 PM

So if he's there Sharper has his back, I'm not worried at all then. He'll be there to put him in the right spot and help him over the top. If Sharper is out then they might be in trouble. I hope Jenkins can just do enough to help out the team win another game, not expecting greatness just yet just don't let the team down

Rugby Saint II · 11-19-2009, 09:52 PM

The thing about his earlier games was he held out during training camp, (and if I remember correctly he held out longer than any Saint had ever done) it's hard to tell by his play earlier in the year just what his talents are. The coaches are very high on him...he's been in the system for a while now and should do very well with a little help from Sharper.

21counterZ-trap · 11-19-2009, 10:26 PM

Im so glad we're starting him. Regardless of whether he sinks or swims Sunday, it's a great game to get an idea of what we have in Jenkins, and to get him some great experience. I'm relatively certain he'll be really good in run support, looks like he'd be quite a load on the corner blitz if nothing else. Looking forward to seeing what he can do.

D_it_up · 11-19-2009, 10:35 PM

Having a defensive back with stud potential coming off the bench for an injured starter is a good problem to have. When Greer and Porter are healthy, Randall Gay, and add Chris McAlister to the mix, this gives the Saints possibly the deepest most talented secondary in the NFL. I'm ready to see what Jenkins is made of. I think he will do fairly well Sunday, especially with Sharper returning.

11-19-2009, 06:43 PM	#1
Threaded by Sir Psycho Sexy Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA - Behind enemy lines. Someone throw me a grenade!! Posts: 941 Rating: (0 votes - average) 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. ARTICLE Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Sir Psycho Sexy; 11-19-2009 at 06:47 PM..
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11-19-2009, 07:06 PM	#2
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,200 Blog Entries: 29	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. Sweet ..... Guess we get to see how good this kid is!

11-19-2009, 07:13 PM	#3
iceshack149 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 4,299 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. "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. I love the challenges GW gives to his players. Go get 'em, Jenkins!

11-19-2009, 07:14 PM	#4
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,723	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. Originally Posted by SmashMouth Sweet ..... Guess we get to see how good this kid is! Not sure we'll see how good or bad he is. Its rare that CB's blossom in their 1st year. We may see glimpses of things we like, but I expect he'll make quite a few rookie mistakes. Lets just hope they don't cost us points or lead to a loss.

11-19-2009, 08:31 PM	#5
lumm0x Resident antediluvian Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,026	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. Good luck Malcolm. Wishing you a great game.

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11-19-2009, 09:28 PM	#6
MatthewT 1000 Posts + Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,729	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. If Sharper can go, I am not that worried. If Sharper is a scratch, then I am worried sick. I did predict earlier in the year that Jenkins would eventually start this season, time to see how he does. I've been very impressed so far with Jenkins on special teams, not really sold on him yet in the secondary. I honestly believe he will eventually be moved to safety and he will be a star. This kid has some serious talent!

11-19-2009, 09:46 PM	#7
RaginCajun83 Hou Saints Fan Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 5,050	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. So if he's there Sharper has his back, I'm not worried at all then. He'll be there to put him in the right spot and help him over the top. If Sharper is out then they might be in trouble. I hope Jenkins can just do enough to help out the team win another game, not expecting greatness just yet just don't let the team down

11-19-2009, 09:52 PM	#8
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,073	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. The thing about his earlier games was he held out during training camp, (and if I remember correctly he held out longer than any Saint had ever done) it's hard to tell by his play earlier in the year just what his talents are. The coaches are very high on him...he's been in the system for a while now and should do very well with a little help from Sharper.

11-19-2009, 10:26 PM	#9
21counterZ-trap 100th Post Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lafayette Posts: 120	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. Im so glad we're starting him. Regardless of whether he sinks or swims Sunday, it's a great game to get an idea of what we have in Jenkins, and to get him some great experience. I'm relatively certain he'll be really good in run support, looks like he'd be quite a load on the corner blitz if nothing else. Looking forward to seeing what he can do.

11-19-2009, 10:35 PM	#10
D_it_up Faqda Falcons Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ruston, Louisiana Posts: 3,465 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Malcolm Jenkins to make first NFL start. Having a defensive back with stud potential coming off the bench for an injured starter is a good problem to have. When Greer and Porter are healthy, Randall Gay, and add Chris McAlister to the mix, this gives the Saints possibly the deepest most talented secondary in the NFL. I'm ready to see what Jenkins is made of. I think he will do fairly well Sunday, especially with Sharper returning.