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Jets Land Jenkins
Saturday, March 1, 2008
1:41:00 AM EST
The Jets have acquired Kris Jenkins from Carolina. The 28 year old three-time Pro Bowler will be the new anchor for New York's defensive front. The team has a quality nose tackle for the first time in the Eric Mangini Era. Fans will finally have a chance to see how the 3-4 defense is supposed to look. Jenkins is the run stuffer on the line the team has lacked since Jason Ferguson left after the 2004 season. The Jets had to give up a third round and a fifth round pick in the 2008 Draft. It was well worth the price.
Jenkins comes with his share of question marks, but they should not prevent him from being an excellent nose tackle. The first issue is that he has never played in the 3-4 before. For much of his career in Carolina, he was one gap undertackle. Just because he has never played on the nose in the 3-4 before does not mean that he is not capable. At 6'4" and 349 pounds, he is certainly big enough. His quickness forces consistent double teams, and his power at the point of attack allows him to shed blocks well. Jenkins also has a nonstop motor. This skill set translates favorably to the nose tackle position.
Another issue is the fashion in which he left Carolina. It was not a good situation as Jenkins had publicly critical of the club during the season. That should not be an immediate problem in New York. Most malcontents are on their best behavior as they start out with a new team, thankful to get a second chance. Jenkins is saying all of the right things at the start. Down the road his behavior might be an issue, but this move provided too much of an upgrade not to risk it.
Jenkins' health is another risk. He has battled knee issues during his career, playing only 5 games combined in 2004 and 2005. Kris has turned a corner since, though. He has played every game for the past two seasons. The primary job of the nose tackle in a 3-4
is to clog running lanes. Gang Green only needs Jenkins to be a two down player. The team also can rotate Jenkins with Sione Pouha, who received a contract extension on Friday, to keep him fresh.
A pair of Draft picks might seem like a heavy price to pay on top of a 5 year, $35 million contract the team handed Jenkins. It is completely worth it. This team has had defensive issues up front for the past two years. The opposition has dominated the middle of the line against Dewayne Robertson. Jenkins will keep New York stout at the point of attack and improve the run defense markedly. He is going to make the lives of Shaun Ellis, Kenyon Coleman, and David Harris much easier by doing the grunt work in the middle of the line. If nothing else, Jenkins will be a viable stop gap who will give the Jets time to find and develop their nose tackle of the future.
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1:41:00 AM EST
Jets Land Jenkins
Jenkins comes with his share of question marks, but they should not prevent him from being an excellent nose tackle. The first issue is that he has never played in the 3-4 before. For much of his career in Carolina, he was one gap undertackle. Just because he has never played on the nose in the 3-4 before does not mean that he is not capable. At 6'4" and 349 pounds, he is certainly big enough. His quickness forces consistent double teams, and his power at the point of attack allows him to shed blocks well. Jenkins also has a nonstop motor. This skill set translates favorably to the nose tackle position.
Another issue is the fashion in which he left Carolina. It was not a good situation as Jenkins had publicly critical of the club during the season. That should not be an immediate problem in New York. Most malcontents are on their best behavior as they start out with a new team, thankful to get a second chance. Jenkins is saying all of the right things at the start. Down the road his behavior might be an issue, but this move provided too much of an upgrade not to risk it.
Jenkins' health is another risk. He has battled knee issues during his career, playing only 5 games combined in 2004 and 2005. Kris has turned a corner since, though. He has played every game for the past two seasons. The primary job of the nose tackle in a 3-4
is to clog running lanes. Gang Green only needs Jenkins to be a two down player. The team also can rotate Jenkins with Sione Pouha, who received a contract extension on Friday, to keep him fresh.
A pair of Draft picks might seem like a heavy price to pay on top of a 5 year, $35 million contract the team handed Jenkins. It is completely worth it. This team has had defensive issues up front for the past two years. The opposition has dominated the middle of the line against Dewayne Robertson. Jenkins will keep New York stout at the point of attack and improve the run defense markedly. He is going to make the lives of Shaun Ellis, Kenyon Coleman, and David Harris much easier by doing the grunt work in the middle of the line. If nothing else, Jenkins will be a viable stop gap who will give the Jets time to find and develop their nose tackle of the future.
Written by georgecoztanza Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
