How Will Mike Jenkins Play This Year?
By Thrill
Dallas Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins, disgruntled or not, will play very well in 2012. The talented cornerback battled through numerous injuries last year and in the process, served notice that he is ready to take his game to the next level. There were numerous Cowboys fans who were impressed with how he fought through the obvious physical limitations, and still was, by far, the best cornerback on the team last year.
Saying that Mike Jenkins was the best corner on the Dallas Cowboys last year isn’t exactly a NFL Defensive MVP-caliber accolade. However, he showed a toughness and determination that should give the coaching staff and fans much ammunition for optimism. With the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, it would appear he is third on the depth chart, but the Cowboys will have a very versatile and confident group of corners that will play for each other. While there are many reasons for optimism, here are the two main reasons why Mike Jenkins’ best is yet to come.
1. Mike Jenkins will benefit from better coaching. As I mentioned in an earlier article titled, Coach Jerome Henderson Poised to Make a Difference, Jenkins will see a marked improvement in his play under Coach Henderson. If you haven’t had the chance to watch this video on Coach Henderson’s coaching style, you should take a moment to watch it. Jenkins skillset will be maximized by the aggressive nature of Henderson and his focus on a player’s grit and competitiveness. These are exactly the athletic traits that Jenkins displayed last year; Henderson will use them to maximize Jenkins’ talent and help bring out the best in him.
With the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, his competitive nature will be put to the test daily. There is no need to bash former defensive backs coach Dave Campo because he’s a Dallas Cowboy through and through, but it was time for a change and a commitment to the Rob Ryan philosophy. Coach Henderson brings that, and more. If Jenkins gets his hind-parts to Valley Ranch this offseason and becomes an sponge to Coach Henderson, he could be on the cusp of his best season to date.
2. Jenkins could be the top CB in the 2013 Free Agent class. Aquib Talib, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jabari Greer, and Yeremiah Bell are the most likely CB candidates to battle it out with Jenkins this season to determine who gets the most lucrative free agent deal next offseason. As most of you know, not every cornerback fits every system, so it’s not exactly comparing apples to apples in each of the situations, but one of these guys will be dubbed the “Top Cornerback Free Agent of 2013”. It’s a yearly occurrence and ensures that fans will be treated to some great football year in and year out. As much as players hate it, this is where the sport flourishes due to not having guaranteed contracts. In any given year, there are multiple players at multiple posisitions in a “contract year”, and they predictably play out of their minds. Who wouldn’t?
Once the season is over, the normal recruitment and courtship process will ensue and will ultimately culminate in a long-term, hefty contract. Each of these cornerbacks are in this same scenario this year, so it should equate to the best on-field play of their young careers. Last year, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha turned his on-field play into a 5yr, $60M contract with the Philadelphia Eagles; the contract included a whopping $25M guaranteed. That alone is enough to get anyone motivated.
There are so many storylines to the 2012 season that are noteworthy and likely many more that haven’t even unfolded yet that will flood the media airwaves. Let’s keep our eye on the Jenkins saga this season because how bright his 2013 season is away from Dallas is directly tied to his 2012 season with Dallas. Hopefully he gets a huge contract next season from another team, and uses his Super Bowl MVP performance as leverage during the negotiation.
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