Lovie Pumped For Mike Jenkins’ Return
August 29th, 2014
Cornerback Mike Jenkins has been roaming around Bucs practice and game sidelines for 30 days with a floppy fat instead of a helmet.
Amazingly, Lovie Smith is still super high on him and said so today at One Buc Palace.
Lovie said Jenkins and others in his boat (Da’Quan Bowers?) have been staying in the game mentally, and Lovie was pumped to get a helmet back on Jenkins next week.
“It’s looking good for him,” Lovie said of Jenkins. “We realize how much he’s missed. We’re anxious to get him back on the practice field. Mondays’ practice will be pretty big for us.”
Of Jenkins and other healed Bucs, Lovie said the missed time could be a blessing.
“He’s fresh and ready to go. So we’ll get the best of him,” Lovie said. “He should be able to last through the season the season a lot longer, the wear and tear he didn’t go through with the grueling training camp.”
Joe just doesn’t get the excitement for Jenkins as a potential starter. He hasn’t been good in a long time, and Johnthan Banks is a young talent on the rise. Hopefully, Lovie is on the money and Jenkins will surprise Bucs fans with standout play.
August 29th, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Dominik might know knees, but Lovie knows DB’s. I’ll take his word for it when it comes to Jenkins.
August 29th, 2014 at 3:16 pm
Would definitely be ridiculous to bench Banks in favor of Jenkins, but who knows Barth just got cut..
August 29th, 2014 at 3:16 pm
I agree with Joe (for a change) banks has looked good!
August 29th, 2014 at 3:18 pm
What???30 days with a floppy fat instead of a helmet. Sounds like a guy stranded in a house of ill repute with no condoms and in need of Viagra. lol.
(Sorry Joe, couldn’t resist!)
August 29th, 2014 at 3:35 pm
I was assuming Jenkins would be the nickel back, no? I know Lovie feels like that is a “starter” position. I would be shocked if Lovie puts Jenkins in ahead of Banks. Banks has been playing great.
August 29th, 2014 at 3:38 pm
He provides proven depth. That is something new to the Bucs.
August 29th, 2014 at 3:49 pm
I agree with the above posts, if Lovie benches Banks in favor of Jenkins that would just be unfathomable. Banks has played extremely well and is clearly the future at that 2nd CB spot.
August 29th, 2014 at 4:40 pm
Your last paragraph sums it up. I’ve never been impressed with Nicks Jr. And now to replace Banks? A Verner/Banks/ Johnson(nickel) Nicks jr is depth.
August 29th, 2014 at 4:45 pm
12 starter lovie and if you hope to win more than 4 games please send Leonard Johnson on the bench. I remember schianos first year, #1 rush defense so we got destroyed in the pass game
August 29th, 2014 at 5:05 pm
That’s my thought, too, Harry. I think Jenkins will be our starting nickel.
August 29th, 2014 at 5:10 pm
Leonard Johnson was our starting nickle last year, and Drew brees and smart saints attacked him all day long.
I love leonard as our 6th CB, but hate him as our 3rd.
Leonard is awesome on special teams. He looks even stronger and faster than last year. He doesnt party, drink toxic alcool or waste his time.
Leonard Johnson studies all night. Eats right and works his tail off.
i just dont want to see him starting for us.
But I think he may the best #6 CB in the NFL. For real.
August 29th, 2014 at 5:25 pm
I don’t follow the reasoning that the injury kept him fresh. Isn’t being injured the exact opposite of fresh? Is that not part of the wear and tear of training camp?
August 29th, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Could there be a package with three corners and a nickel?
August 29th, 2014 at 5:55 pm
Lol how many #6 cbs do you know? Haha
August 29th, 2014 at 6:39 pm
Banks has done a good job and looks like the better player. Jenkins has never been a consistent player and he’s been out for several weeks, but he’s favored? Hmm.
August 29th, 2014 at 6:44 pm
I write a blog. People can’t wait for my next post. I know more than the coach.
August 30th, 2014 at 8:01 am
The fact is that Leslie and Lovie have talked about Jenkins starting the whole offseason. I think Banks will start week 1 because Mike Jenkins won’t be in shape to start right away, but don’t be surprised to see Jenkins take that spot from him down the road.