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27 Days’ Until Kickoff

12 August 2019 Opinion

The countdown continues Eagles fans. In honor of 27 days until kickoff, we present to you the man who provided us with the hit heard around the world on February 4, 2018, number 27, Malcolm Jenkins. For those of you wondering what ever happened to Brandin Cooks, he is still in a daze and he still never found the end zone in Super Bowl 53. Mr. Jenkins provided the Birds with a tone setting hit. The Eagles were already having their way with the Patriots defense. Just like when B Dawk took out Alge Crumpler, 27 set the tone for the rest of the game. The hit not only took their best receiver out of the game, it told the Patriots, “Welcome to Philadelphia football. You can run, complain, or fight back, either way we’re going to kick your a** up and down this field and send you and your fans into the safe spaces that Vikings fans are already occupying. We’re the Philadelphia Eagles and we’re taking that trophy back home to the home of the best fan’s in the world.”

If Fletcher Cox is the heart of the defense and Brandon Graham is the soul, then Malcolm Jenkins is definitely the mind of the defense. Malcolm is the field general. He is on the field every snap and where he goes, the team follows. His effort and desire to make the play inspires the rest of the team. Jenkins is asked to do so much for this team and more often than not, he delivers.

For those of you who did not know, Malcolm is somewhat local. He grew up in Piscataway, New Jersey, where played high school football at Piscataway Township High School. While there, he helped lead his team to three consecutive state championships. After high school, Jenkins ventured west to Ohio State where he received the coveted Jim Thorpe award his senior year, becoming the nations best defensive back. Soon enough, he was picked 19th overall by the New Orleans Saints and his professional career began.

In his rookie year, Jenkins wasted no time adding another ring to his collection as the Saints captured their first Lombardi trophy in franchise history. Jenkins found success throughout his four year tenure in Nola, but eventually headed north to Philadelphia to truly learn how to fly. As an Eagles, Jenkins found his stride and often made highlight reel plays. Jenkins became a fan favorite after his dominating performance in a 2015 week 13 victory over the New England Patriots. On December 6, 2015, Jenkins recorded seven combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned an interception for a touchdown in the Eagles 35–28 victory at the New England Patriots. On a pass intended for Danny Amendola, Jenkins took the ball away and streaked down the field. The play became legendary because Malcolm teased TBpick6 by being in arms reach forcing Tom to attempt a weak diving tackle. As Jenkins left Tom in the dust he cruised into the end thus “deflating” any hope for a comeback by the Patriots.

I for one, cannot wait to see number 27 lined up behind the rest of our defense. He orchestrates the madness that unfolds in front of him. Jenkins is a great guy who loves to give back and support the Philadelphia community and world as a whole. We are very fortunate to have a guy like him on our side of the ball. Hopefully he will be adding another ring to his collection come next February. As Always, Fly Eagles Fly!