Vikings' Michael Jenkins made 'a big play we needed' with third-down catch
By Bob Sansevere
[email protected]
Posted: 12/30/2012
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins (84) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter of the Green Bay Packers against the Minnesota Vikings game at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. (Pioneer Press: Sherri LaRose-Chiglo)
Three things ...
Here is Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins, who caught a three-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and made a key third-down reception of 25 yards to help set up Blair Walsh's game-winning field goal in the Vikings' 37-34 victory over Green Bay on Sunday, Dec. 30 ...
On his touchdown catch: "I saw (Ponder) scrambling. Once I saw him throw it, I went down low to try and get it. Thankfully, I came up with it."
On whether he thought he had a touchdown on a diving attempt several plays before his fourth-quarter score: "Nah. I knew soon as I hit the ground and it bounced out they wouldn't rule that a touchdown. I'm glad (Christian Ponder) came back and found me again."
On his third-down catch: "It was something we kind of game-planned for. They had the right coverage on at the time. It was a big play we needed."
Report: Patriots will sign Michael Jenkins
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 28, 2013
Christian Ponder, Michael Jenkins AP
Sometimes, it seems like Bill Belichick does unusual things just to prove that he?s smarter than other people.
According to Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports.com, the Patriots are signing former Vikings wideout Michael Jenkins.
The 30-year-old Jenkins can?t really run, and caught 40 passes last season for the Vikings, who weren?t exactly overburdened with depth at his position. He has size and good hands, but lacks the ability to get open.
It?s doubtful Jenkins got much beyond the minimum to sign, which makes it a free look at a moderately productive veteran.
Michael Jenkins out to be quick study
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
By: Karen Guregian
FOXBORO ? The competition at wide receiver for the Patriots has suddenly become a lot more interesting with the influx of rookie talent.
Veteran wideout Michael Jenkins knows he has a fight on his hands. He also knows everyone is going in blind with regard to the playbook. He gives himself as good a shot as anyone to succeed at grasping the Pats? complex offense and connecting with Tom Brady.
?I can?t say why (others) have struggled before. I?m just going to try to do my part in studying, be well-rounded in knowing all the positions within the receiver positions, and fit in where I can,?? Jenkins said yesterday, as the former first-round pick out of Ohio State met the media for the first time. ?I?ve always tried to consider myself a quick learner in being able to pick it up, so hopefully that continues to happen for me.??
Even if that means catching balls from a Michigan man?
?Everybody says, ?How are you going to catch passes from a Michigan guy?? ? Jenkins said with a laugh. ?But I?m looking forward to it. Tom?s a hard worker. He?s always wanting to throw and get better. He?s one of the best in the league. I?m looking forward to just being out there with him and doing my part.?
Jenkins, who has been participating in the offseason program, had 40 catches in 16 games with the Vikings last season after coming off a left knee injury that cost him the final five games of 2011. He was released by the Vikings earlier this year.
The Pats signed Jenkins, who began his career with the Falcons, to a one-year deal worth $855,000 in March.
Entering his 10th season, the 30-year-old Jenkins doesn?t provide speed on the outside, but at 6-foot-4, 214 pounds, he might work well in the red zone. And if second-round pick Aaron Dobson doesn?t quite make the transition from college and struggles in the offense, Jenkins might be the guy to fill that spot.
Where does Jenkins see himself fitting with the team?
?Just being a contributor,? he said. ?I?ve got no predictions on what that may be. Just knowing my stuff and knowing what I need to do . . . we?ll see what happens.?
Michael Jenkins aiming to make his mark with Patriots
05.08.13
By Christopher Price
Michael Jenkins spent the last two years with the Vikings. (AP)
When it comes to veteran receivers hoping to revive their careers in New England, there?s been no shortage of candidates over the last decade-plus. Sometimes, it works (David Patten, Donte? Stallworth, Jabar Gaffney) and sometimes, not so much (Joey Galloway, Chad Johnson).
Into this mix comes Michael Jenkins, who will start his 10th season in the league this year, and his first with the Patriots. The 30-year-old, who caught 40 passes for 449 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Vikings, is a 6-foot-4, 214-pounder out of Ohio State who spent seven seasons with the Falcons and the last two with Minnesota. His best years came in 2007 and 2008, when he caught a combined 103 passes for 1,309 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jenkins is well aware of both the successes and failures that veterans have had when it comes to getting acclimated to the New England passing game. And while he can?t speak to why some of his predecessors failed ? instead, he can only control what he can control.
?I can?t say why they?ve struggled before. I just try to do my part in studying, kind of be well-rounded, knowing all the positions within the receiver position, and just fit in where I can,? he told reporters earlier this week. ?You?ve seen stuff, [but] you never know what?s going on internally; I?ve always considered myself a quick learner and being able to pick it up, so hopefully that continues to happen for me and I can pick it up.?
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