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If the New Orleans Saints hope to salvage this wayward 2012 season, they need everyone on their roster to pick up their games after such a sluggish start. But one guy in particular that really needs to shine brighter is safety Malcolm Jenkins.

The fourth-year pro hasn't necessarily been the defense's weakest link. Like everyone else, he's had a few good plays and a few bad ones this year. But the Saints don't just need Jenkins to be adequate - they need him to be great.
They need the former first-round draft pick to finally start delivering on the immense potential he flashed during his first two NFL seasons.

Maybe it's unfair to single out Jenkins. But it's his own fault, really. He raised the bar for himself in 2010, when he was twice named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week down the stretch of his sophomore year, after he made a smooth transition from cornerback to safety.

Heading into last season, coaches and teammates raved about Jenkins' star qualities. Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was obviously enamored with Jenkins, talking all the time about his desire to be a truly "great" player. And former Saints defensive end Alex Brown once heralded Jenkins as one of three "special" players he's played with, along with former Chicago Bears teammate Brian Urlacher and former Florida Gators teammate Jevon Kearse.

This year, teammates voted Jenkins as one of their two defensive captains, along with safety Roman Harper. So it's clear the admiration and respect is still high.

But over the last two seasons, that lofty potential hasn't translated consistently onto the field for Jenkins, who hasn't had an interception since 2010. He has no forced fumbles or fumble recoveries this year after having one of each last year.

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Utah_Saint

That's true but just getting to adequate would be a good start.

Mardigras9

A little D-line pressure and LB help would be a great start too. The DB's are the only part of the defense that has been playing. They are behind the eight ball from the start when the opposing QB has all day.

Utah_Saint

You're right, just getting to adequate would be a step up for several of the guys on this defense.

st thomas

he needs to take pressure off of himself, trying to be superman is not helping him. just needs to stay focussed, its still a learning experience for him. it will come together just DO YOUR JOB.

UK_WhoDat

Can anyone help an old man remember when these flashes were?

dizzle88

Forcing 2 fumbles on special teams in 2 consecutive weeks, vs eagles and bills

Stripping the ball away from Roy Williams when reggie bush had pretty much lost the game for us, brees gets the ball and wins the game

2 picks vs rams, one for a 99 yard TD return

Wish he played like this more often

73Saint

I mentioned this in the game time chat last week.... I have a Malcolm Jenkins jersey, starting to wonder why now. Anyway, last year, he was my pick for breakout defensive player, and boy was I wrong. Funny thing is, for Christmas, I received not one but Two Jenkins jerseys, both black. I had always thought about what I was going to do with the second one (it still has the tags on it). I knew I was going to do something relative to our forum, such as start a thread w/ trivia or something, eventually giving it away to one of our members. Now I really don't know what to do with it. I hope his stock rises because I do want to give it to someone when it's actually desired. It would be a nice thing to do, IMO. But I don't want to give it away if it's just going to be burned, lol!!

CharityMike

True but this has nothing to do with him tackling. He sucks at it! I LMAO when in the article he said he "might" miss a tackle here or there..are you kidding me..you have missed almost as many as you have made.

ChrisXVI

The play of the D-Line and LB's is certainly part of the problem but come on, Malcolm screws up so much on his own. A lot of the time he's completely lost out there.