Coach Petrino discusses WR Michael Jenkins

By: T. Love

“We are starting to figure out how to utilize Michael Jenkins”

Those are the words from Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino following Tuesday morning practice at team headquarters in Flowery Branch.

What does this mean for Mr. Jenkins?

Selected as the second of Atlanta’s first round picks after moving up, Jenkins was slated to be the go-to man for Michael Vick. At 6-4, 217, he was the big target that Vick felt comfortable throwing to and could be an endzone threat with Brian Finneran.

It is three years later, Vick is pretty much a goner with the team, a new offense is in place and Jenkins has yet to live up to his expectations or salary implications for a first-round pick.

For his career, Jenkins has averages 27 catches per season and has scored a total of 10 touchdowns (seven in 2006).

With his inconsistent hands and poor route running, Jenkins will have a lot of work to do in order to contribute to the Falcons offense this season. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and wide receivers coach Paul Petrino will work with Jenkins on his route running and demand consistency if he wants to stay on the field. A far stretch from former position coach George Stewart, who was an offensive lineman during his playing days. No. 12 is one hell of a blocker though.

Jenkins will make his money in the redzone this season and I can see a lot of jump balls coming his way. With most defensive backs standing around 5-10 or 11 in the league, he can easily out jump them and haul in touchdown grabs. If rookie Laurent Robinson continues to shine, Jenkins would be well served in the slot during three and four receiver sets giving him a size and skill advantage over the nickel backers.

Lets see how much of an offensive “guru” Petrino really is.