Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Takeaways from the Malcolm Jenkins presser

Malcolm Jenkins, one of the leaders of the world champion Philadelphia Eagles addressed the media for the first time in a while. You might imagine there were a few people present to take some notes.

It seems like it’s been forever since we’ve seen Malcolm Jenkins, but honestly, it was only a little over ten weeks ago when the Philadelphia Eagles safety helped Philly to their first Lombardi Trophy in team history. Those of you who are unfamiliar with Jenkins leadership, may have gotten your first taste watching all of the footage NFL Films compiled during Super Bowl LII.

If you’re an Eagles fan, however, you’re well aware of the fact that the most recent Super Bowl was just another day at the office. Jenkins has been one of the leaders on this Eagles team since the 2014 season, both on and off of the field.

That’s why the Eagles organization has never had any issue allowing him to speak on behalf of the team. On the second day of the Eagles’ offseason workout program, he got that opportunity again.

Here are three of the fifty or so nuggets we at ITI got from his sit down with the Philadelphia and national media.

1. The new norm isn’t just about winning in February.

According to Jenkins when he heard Eagles head coach Doug Pederson use the phrase ‘the new norm’, it wasn’t completely about how the 2017 season ended. According to number 27, ‘the new norm’ is also about preparation, the way the team conducts itself and the dedication that’s demanded from Jenkins and each of his teammates.

The new norm is a higher standard that the Eagles now hold themselves to.

2. Last season’s injuries will create more competition in camp.

Don’t think the injured Eagles who weren’t able to compete on the field with their teammates at the end of last season have forgotten about that. Sure, they get a ring just like everyone else, and they’re proud. Still, the desire to compete lives in every competitor.

The guys who were standing on the sideline want to be part of the reason for another championship run. They don’t want to be just moral support.

According to Jenkins, winning without so many of their important cogs created a desire and will fuel competition going into training camp. That will translate into everyone getting better.

This could be a scary good team going into the 2018 regular season.

3. Teams aren’t done being built in April.

The question on everyone’s mind is what happens at slot corner now that Patrick Robinson is gone. Robinson will be missed, but Jenkins put it best. Teams aren’t done being built until August rolls around. Then, we’ll see where the chips fall and who fills in at slot corner.

On the subject of defensive end Michael Bennett, Jenkins defends his new teammate and longtime friend.

Here’s some of what he had to say:

"I’ve talked to him, obviously, before all of this and since.. My take on it is, from the outside looking in, it seems like they’re trying to make an example out of him.. Hopefully, things will work out in his favor.. He’s a guy that I was excited when we signed him.. (I’m) still looking forward to him being a part of this team, being part of this community, because I think he’s somebody that cares.. He’s a great athlete but a great human being as well…"

Enough said. There used to be an old saying that went ‘opinions are only as valuable as your knowledge of the subject’. If Jenkins and guys who actually know Bennett say he’s a good guy, that’s good enough for us and should be good enough for the people that never met him.

Next: 3 Takeaways from the Zach Ertz presser

Oh, and by the way, those of you that are curious about the thumb will be glad to know Jenkins says it’s just fine.

This portion of the offseason program will soon be at an end. The 2018 NFL Draft is right around the corner.

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