It was a play that Jenkins likely wouldn't have made in the last two years, but the tall, lanky receiver whom the Atlanta Falcons drafted 29th overall in 2004 is no longer thin.
Jenkins added 12 pounds of muscle during the offseason and now weighs 222. Increased strength has helped Jenkins, a former Ohio State standout, gain confidence, which the Falcons (1-0) hope will translate into a productive game Sunday against Tampa Bay (0-1).
``Being more physical in the passing game and getting blocks on guys in the running game all of that helps,'' Jenkins said this week. ``I put in a lot of work in the offseason, but I also have a fiancee cooking meals every night, so that makes a difference.''
Working the last six months to establish better timing and understanding with quarterback Michael Vick paid off against the Panthers. Jenkins was Vick's second read on a corner route he ran from the left side and caught a 32-yard pass that helped set up Atlanta's first field goal.
On the touchdown, Jenkins worked from the right side of the field toward the left sideline as Vick ran a bootleg in the same direction. It was a vintage moment in Atlanta's third year under offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, who designs plays to put his speedy quarterback in motion and let him decide whether to pass or run.
This time, with Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis in his face, Vick tossed a short pass over the coverage, and Jenkins did the rest.
``You've got to give them confidence,'' Vick said. ``You've got to get him the ball and give him a chance to make some plays so that he'll feel good about himself. By doing that, throughout the spring and training camp, he's been able to make a tremendous amount of progress.''
Vick's extra work during spring and summer with Jenkins and Roddy White, whom the Falcons drafted 29th overall in 2005, is creating more chances for both players.
The trio began to understand what to anticipate, regarding ball placement and technique, when the receivers came out of breaks. Vick threw five passes to Jenkins and five to White in the opener. Jenkins finished with three catches for 77 yards and White one for five.
Since the Falcons drafted Vick No. 1 overall in 2001, critics have focused on poor accuracy and shaky decision-making as the quarterback's primary drawbacks.
Indeed, Vick's career 54 percent completion percentage is low when compared to Steve McNair (59.6) and Donovan McNabb (58.5) both of whom were considered ``running quarterbacks'' when the Houston Oilers and Philadelphia Eagles respectively drafted them third and second overall.
According to Stats Inc., seven of Vick's 12 incompletions at Carolina were poor throws, but the Falcons believe the maturity of Jenkins and White and a trade last month for Ashley Lelie eventually will help the passing attack improve. Atlanta ranked 30th overall in 2004 passing, its first under Knapp, and 27th last year.
Lelie, who led the NFL in yards per catch (17.9) in the last four years with Denver, caught just one pass for five yards.
``You've got to give it time,'' Lelie said. ``I never expected to come here right before the season started and have everything thrown my way. I have to prove to them that I can produce over the long haul.''
In an offense that's led the NFL in rushing the last two years and primarily features Pro Bowl tight end Alge Crumpler as the first receiving option, Lelie will need to be patient. That's an attribute that served Jenkins well as he played mostly on special teams as a rookie before catching 36 passes for 508 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last year.
``Any time you draft a receiver that high, in the first round, you expect returns, and in this offense, Mike is starting to show the difference,'' receivers coach George Stewart said. ``He's worked hard over the course of the last 2.5 years that he's been here. We're looking for him to have a big season.''
NOTES: Cornerback DeAngelo Hall didn't practice Friday because of a sore thigh. He's listed as probable on the injury report. ... The Falcons also have defensive end John Abraham (groin) listed as questionable, middle linebacker Ed Hartwell (knees) doubtful and defensive end Patrick Kerney (arm) probable. Kerney practiced for the first time this week.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/9/104066