Lovie’s Bromance With Mike Jenkins
August 9th, 2015
Lovie seems to have deep affection for CB Mike Jenkins.
Boy oh boy, Lovie Smith sure loves himself some Mike Jenkins.
It’s getting to the point Joe is wondering if the two are related.
There is no need for Joe’s blood pressure to start skyrocketing recounting what Joe thinks of Jenkins, the Tampa Bay cornerback. In short, Jenkins is a fine backup. Maybe.
But in Lovie’s world, Jenkins is the second coming of Mel Blount.
Last year, Lovie just raved and raved about Jenkins starting over Johnthan Banks, even though Banks had a fine rookie season. It made no sense to Joe, much like turnover-prone Josh McClown starting week after week made no sense, as well as shelling out millions of Team Glazer cash to an apparition starting at defensive end, or kicking Darrelle Revis to the curb.
Jenkins got hurt in the first regular season game and was lost for the rest of the season.
The past few days, when reporters asked Lovie about Banks — just Banks — without provocation, Lovie quickly turned the conversation into Jenkins love.
Today, again, Lovie was asked about Banks and Alterraun Verner, and again Lovie began talking Jenkins.
“We like both of them, what they’ve both done,” Lovie said. “You’re right – it’s about the overall position. That’s why we really like what Mike Jenkins has done. … “
Man, it just seems like Lovie is going to shove Jenkins into the starting lineup come hell or high water. Why? Joe has no answer. Banks has developed into a fine corner and is having an outstanding training camp. Joe sees zero reason at all to fix what is not broken.
Now Joe has been told Jenkins is a good press corner, so there is that. To Joe, Banks starting is a complete and total no-brainer. Jenkins is OK as a backup. Nothing more.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:10 pm
We talked on twitter about this Joe, what does he see everyone else does not. ANY CB worth a lick will not be on the street looking for a job like Jenkins was. Banks did very well last year, and from all reports, looks better this year.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:22 pm
Now I’ve been the biggest Lovie backer,but if Jenkins starts over Banks or Verner I’ll blow a gasket. And that’s real talk.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:24 pm
Never understood your hatred for Mike Jenkins. He has never made a bad play for the Bucs, he’s also never made a good one. Give the poor guy a chance and hate on Leonard Johnson like normal people.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:26 pm
For my money, if he’s pulling one of the starters for Jenkins, it BETTER be Verner. That being said, that would be just as idiotic….He’s great depth, but Lovie better not pull this jenkins starting BS again…
August 9th, 2015 at 5:35 pm
I think Lovie is just trying to push Banks to be a better player. It’s what good coaches do. You know when ever Banks hears that from his head coach it makes him think “I better keep getting better or I’m not the starter”. I like it! Now if you think Lovie is s fool then you think maybe Lovie is trying to replace Banks, I don’t agree and I also don’t think the guy becomes a NFL head coach without knowing who his starting corner should be. Maybe Jenkins is better, has anyone seen him play other then a few plays? Wasn’t he a good player in the past? Maybe Banks is just not fast enough or maybe he is to stiff, yeah he had a few picks but that could mean he is targeted a lot more. I remember Wayne Haddax had 10 picks in one season for the Bucs and no one remembers him. I don’t get Joes negativity regarding Jenkins..
August 9th, 2015 at 5:36 pm
Gifting of Jobs to undeserving players is Incompetent Lovies way. Would not be shocked at all.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:38 pm
The fact that Leonard Johnson is basically still a starter makes me cringe. Toss in some bargain bin safeties and a likely anemic pass rush and I need to grab the Pepto. This unit looks a lot like last year’s unit, which made stars out of mediocre opponent QB’s. McCoy, David, Banks, McDonald and Lansanah are the only ones I have much faith in.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:45 pm
I see what Lovie is trying to do to banks and it’s trying to make him more than just a #2 corner. When people think of Buc players they think of McCoy, David, Evans, and Winston (NOT BANKS). Banks needs to turn it up a notch so that teams will throw to the other side more. Like Tillman they need to fear Banks forcing a fumble or intercepting the ball.
Stop trippin Joe, Banks has to turn it up or he’ll be traded because no one fears him. He’s not in the top 100 or pro bowl conversations or one of the top 15 corners in the league. He’s just good on the Bucs FOR NOW and I think you can smell a trade and that would explain your angst.
August 9th, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Oh and congrats on everyone copying your Winston watch phrase. Cough, cough ESPN/Pewter report/what the buc/(put name here).
August 9th, 2015 at 5:55 pm
Fsuking I wouldn’t call it hating,its just that Verner is a bad boy when healthy. And Banks has done nothing but get better and better since entering the league. I’m going wit younger and potential on this one.
August 9th, 2015 at 6:02 pm
Well…if anyone knows Bromances……..it’s Joe.
Joe knows Bromances!
BTW you’re way overdue for a Jameis story, what’s it been an hour or two?
August 9th, 2015 at 6:03 pm
@couch
I do not know what is sadder, The fact that the sheep are surprised by this, or that fact that this is so low on the infractions of Lovie list.
Sure wish that there were a couple of people warning everyone about stuff like this and were calling him “Lovie Claus!!!”
August 9th, 2015 at 6:15 pm
Joe…Just noticed the same thing today. Every time in all of his press conferences he is asked about a corner he mentions Jenkins first. I just don’t understand it or see why. Banks has become one hell of a player in my opinion and i don’t see how any Buc fan wouldn’t be excited about his future.
But to replace a young, athletic, long, 24 year old corner (2nd rounder) with a washed up 30 year old coming off a season ending injury is just insanity.
I would like to think Lovie is not this blatantly idiotic or blind. If he were to replace Banks opening day with Jenkins I am going to need to see a shrink because i will lose my freakin mind.
August 9th, 2015 at 6:19 pm
I didn’t see where Lovie announced Jenkins as our starter….Is he playing exclusively with the #1s……..I see nothing wrong with lighting a fire with Banks….and Jenkins, for that matter…..I think it’s good we have some CBs……
August 9th, 2015 at 6:27 pm
@tampabaybucfan
weird how that was lovie lighting a fire, but with Coach Schiano it was mind games and destroying players. nice double standard there guys LOL!!!!!!!!!
August 9th, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Realist is back…what happened didn’t take your prozac today? Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
Schiano didn’t treat players like men, he treated them like college students and lost the respect and the locker room. Most all players like and respect Lovie Smith because he treats them like grown men and professionals.
Lovie tends to be much more straight forward which is why i don’t believe this is a mind game or trick to fire Banks up. Banks is a gamer and comes to play and compete every day according to his teammates.
August 9th, 2015 at 6:42 pm
All I know is my head coach preaches turnovers. Banks has a nack for getting them. Same way he did in college,it translates.
August 9th, 2015 at 6:57 pm
I don’t remember much Jenkins talk in the training camp recaps. There must be a reason Lovie talks him up. Veteran preference?
August 9th, 2015 at 7:57 pm
@Realist
Where did I ever say Schiano played mind games?…..others did and I get your point…but don’t paint me with that brush.
Every Coach has his own way of motivating and communicating…..I will believe all of this paranoia with Jenkins when he starts and Banks is on the bench.
August 9th, 2015 at 8:09 pm
@Fsuking: “Hate on Leonard Johnson like normal people.”
Snark of the year nominations are now closed.
Wow. Just wow.
August 9th, 2015 at 8:27 pm
Mike Jenkins is a really solid cover corner… But his injury history proves that you can’t trust him… The fewer snaps he gets the longer he will last… Put him in as the slot corner and hope he can stay healthy while playing only half the snaps…
August 9th, 2015 at 8:40 pm
Could be on to something there mac.
August 9th, 2015 at 9:01 pm
Banks was our best Corner last year. I think he and Verner will both be great this season. I’m not sure what NewBucs is watching but I love Banks & our CB depth. I think it’s right up their with the LB and DT depth. If they can generate some pass rush with their front 4 and they should with additions of Melton the young talented DE (Fat included). This should be a top 10 def, Maybe top 5.
August 9th, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Lovie loves Mike ….Joe loves Winston …_so not an issue when dating !
August 9th, 2015 at 10:19 pm
This is my “only” problem with lovie smh. He must’ve fail in love with my Jenkins during his draft process. And soon as he was available for him no matter how many years passed he was going to give him a shot. Sterling Moore is our 2nd best corner behind banks. Mike Jenkins is 4th.
August 9th, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Dom and Schiano brought in some solid players, and it has been a shame to see Lovie toss them aside to take risks on bringing in players that are less athletic or a complete unknown. SMH if Jenkins ends up starting.
August 9th, 2015 at 11:58 pm
We should jus make one of a FS
August 10th, 2015 at 12:01 am
If Jenkins earns it, im fine with him starting. With Jenkins, Banks, Moore and Verner, we got four good corners who all know this defense. I think our secondary may be the most underrated unit on this team. Hopefully Mcdougald picks off where he left off last years, Conte stays healthy, because he’s good playing in deep coverage. Swearinger can help afainst the run. And Wright is a veteran who knows this defense better than anyone and can be a quality back up. If we can some how generate a respectable pass rush, this could be a great secondary.
August 10th, 2015 at 3:47 am
Banks is our best db he’s gonna b a shutdown corner for us years to come and u can take that to the bank. We really need to b focused on never letting LJ and CC on the feild both of them are first downs and tds waiting to happen.
August 10th, 2015 at 5:06 am
… In Gene Deckerhoff’s voice
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers the best 2-14 team in the league we salute you”
August 10th, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Could it be that the Glazers have been whispering in Lovie’s ear? After all, Joe, don’t you think there are a lot of USF Grads in the Tampa Bay Area that might get more excited about purchasing tickets to come see a Former Bull who made the Pro Bowl in the NFL get a shot at starting for their hometown Bucs? And Leonard Johnson is a hometown High School success story too. More tickets are now being bought because the Bucs picked Winston, a FSU Star! And the Bucs are starting Major Wright at Safety–a Gator Star, and the Bucs gave a contract to another Gator Star WR, who is now injured, but still on the roster. See my point?
August 10th, 2015 at 4:28 pm
No, don’t see your point. In fact, that’s preposterous.
The reason people are buying tickets is that the Bucs (finally) may have a franchise quarterback. Don’t think Bucs fans give a hoot where he went to school.
If you are suggesting Team Glazer wants a couple of inferior players to start because they grew up in the area, that tells Joe that Team Glazer is going to cement the No. 1 pick next year for Joey Bosa.
So Louis Murphy should start over Mike Evans because Murphy is from St. Petersburg???