Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins is one of the captains of the defense and played a key role in Philadelphia’s turnaround, so why do NFL analysts seem to forget that?
Last season, Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins played every defensive snap of the season. We could stop this entire story right now, but we’ll continue.
As difficult as it is to complete an entire NFL season and stay healthy, Jenkins did it. Prior to that, he was a key piece and one of the leaders on the team when the Eagles finally delivered the Lombardi Trophy to their city and fans.
If you ever want to question his leadership skills, check out any NFL Films presentation of that game. Jenkins was ‘mic’d up’, and though Philly’s defense had their issues on that day (Tom Brady can make many NFL teams look foolish), Philly made a couple of plays when it mattered.
One of which was Jenkins’ knockout blow on Brandin Cooks. You never want to see anyone get hurt, but Jenkins shot was clean, and it set a tone for the rest of the game.
Perhaps the seeds for an Eagles upset of what may be the greatest dynasty in the history of sports came when Philly beat the New England Patriots two years earlier when an underdog Eagles team led by a coach who shall remain nameless walked into Gillette Stadium and handed Tom Brady and company a 35-28 loss.
The game was punctuated by a Jenkins pick at the Eagles’ one-yard line that he took 99 yards in the other direction. Jenkins was there for some of the rough times. He was there when the Eagles hired Doug Pederson, and he’s been a key component in the team’s turnaround. Did we mention he played every defensive snap a season ago?
Jenkins made the Pro Bowl after the 2018 season, his second straight and the third of his career. Regardless of all of that, when the NFL released its’ Top 100 Players of 2019 ranking (a list comprised of players votes), Jenkins wasn’t on it. Last week, ESPN released their top 100 players ranking. Jenkins wasn’t on that either.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz saw a drop on both lists because of health concerns, so if that’s a credible argument, here’s another. If we punish Wentz for being injured, why isn’t Jenkins seen as being more valuable for always being healthy and available? He hasn’t missed a game in his five seasons in Philly.
Despite the fact that he’s clearly one of the best safeties in the entire NFL, eight men who play his same position in the NFL command a higher salary. How did Jenkins handle things?
He didn’t cause a disruption. He didn’t hold out. He didn’t voice his displeasure publicly. He definitely didn’t go to Cabo. He, simply, went to work.
Jenkins, whether you agree with him or not and whether you support his causes or not, is the ultimate professional, but based on what we’ve seen lately, it may be fair to ask a couple of questions.
One, does the rest of the NFL see that he’s still one of the best at his position? Second, do the Eagles still see how valuable he is to this team? The debate table is open, but before we say that, think about it this way. Once upon a time, they made a similar mistake in how they handled Brian Dawkins‘ contract. Let’s hope this tale doesn’t take a similar turn.