METAIRIE, La. ― The moment free safety Darren Sharper was put on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Saints’ second-year defensive back Malcolm Jenkins was thrust into Brett Favre’s crosshairs.
And yet, despite the fact that Jenkins has never started a regular season game at free safety, Favre isn’t so sure he, the Minnesota quarterback, has an advantage.
“I think right now, I’m sure things could change in this game, but Jenkins seems to guessing playing a little more like Coach Williams wants him to play it and doesn’t want him to think outside the box yet,” Favre said Sunday.
He’ll find out soon enough. The Saints host the Vikings in the NFL season opener Thursday night at 7:30.
As a first-year player out of Ohio State, Jenkins played primarily at the nickel position, but was used at the corner, too. He started six games and finished with 51 tackles and an interception. He also had five tackles in the postseason, including four in the Super Bowl against Indianapolis.
With Sharper beginning the preseason on the active/PUP list, Jenkins said he has approached things from day one like he’s the starter.
But going against Favre, the savvy 20-year veteran will present a stern test right out of the gate for the youngster.
“I’m excited,” Jenkins said. “It gives me a chance to see exactly where I’m at. I’ve had my warm-up games as far as the preseason and now it’s the real deal and I’m looking forward to it.”
Sharper says he’ll provide those playing and coaching in Thursday’s game with all the information he can possibly think of to lend help. That’s 13 years worth of experience in and of itself.
“That helps out a lot because I know a lot of different players go to teams and they might get pushed into a starting role and they’re kind of learning on their own,” Jenkins said. “But to have someone who might be a Hall of Famer giving you tips on how he sees it allows that learning curve to come that much faster.”
