Harper is a SS. A SS primary function is to stop the run 1st, drop back in coverage second. A SS should be a solid tackler. I'd say Harper excells at both stopping the run, blitzing, & tackling.

Jenkins is a FS. The free safety is the last line of defense on the football field. He's definitely more of a pass-minded defender. His job is to sit back, survey, and attack where needed. He supports the run, but not so much as a SS.

With that defined for you, I'd say Harper did his job. Jenkins got beat alot.....a whole lot! Do I think that defines Jenkins as a FS.....NO. I think he had an off year. That said.....I don't see why everyone is so worried about Harper. He did his job. There is a reason he made the Pro Bowl....again. That's probably why alot of other teams have been trying to get him too (like the Giants, etc...) Jenkins, on the other hand, needs to step it up a notch & learn how to tackle.

Trust me I know the roles of a Safety. I was a FS in High School and College. But when every QB in the NFL knows that you are terrible in pass coverage it tends to get exploited. I know the SS is the weaker of the 2 in coverage but the majority of SS are at least decent in coverage when need be. Not Harper. He misses his fare share of open field tackles (along with 75% of the other players on our defense). I think in crucial points of the game he becomes a liability on the field.

It was a play that surrendered a touchdown; and on the previous play Jenkins was burnt at the line and Harper was late on the backside along with a bad angle and a mistackle...

Watch video at 1:54 and see Wild finish in San Francisco 1/14/2012 - YouTube