EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Jim Haslett wanted Kris Jenkins on his defensive line, clogging up the middle for the St. Louis Rams and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
The Rams couldn’t swing a deal with Carolina, and the hefty nose tackle ended up going to the New York Jets in the offseason. The 360-pound Jenkins has been an immovable force for the Jets and a game-planning headache for opponents.
“I love the guy,” St. Louis’ interim coach said. “From what I’ve seen on film, I think he’s one of the best players, or at least most dominant guy, that I’ve seen on film this year in the National Football League.”
nst Jenkins twice a year in the NFC South.
“I saw the guy beat us up for 12 games,” Haslett said. “I know what the kid can do. I think he’s in a great situation there being a nose in a 3-4 (defense). Even on a pass rush-situation when he’s a three-technique or he’s on a guard, he’s very dominant right now.”
Haslett will get another good look at Jenkins on Sunday, when the Rams (2-6) take on the Jets (5-3) at the Meadowlands.
“There’s no better test at where we’re at as an offensive line than going up against a stud like him,” guard Richie Incognito said.
Jenkins’ effect on the Jets has been glaring. After struggling for years against the run, New York is ranked fourth, allowing 76 yards rushing per game. By often taking up two blockers, Jenkins has freed other players to put pressure on the quarterback. The Jets’ 29 sacks already ties their total from last season.
“He has very good athletic ability for a guy his size,” coach Eric Mangini said. “He runs to the football every play. He has an excellent first step, especially when you consider that it’s 360 pounds moving forward. There are some times when he’ll be halfway across the line of scrimmage and the rest of the group is just getting started.”
even years with the Panthers.
“I didn’t realize I was a celebrity,” Jenkins said with a smile. “I know I play football, but I have no life when I go home. When I leave, I’m not doing anything that’s Hollywood. I’m going home and I’m taking care of my family. That’s it.”
He’s certainly taking care of his teammates, too. Jenkins has 24 tackles, three sacks and seven quarterback pressures.
“I’ve definitely been enjoying the ride,” the 29-year-old Jenkins said. “At some point, it’s going to end, so at least I have another war story to talk about when I start getting old and the hair starts to disappear and things like that.”
The Jets will need Jenkins to be just as good as he’s been this Sunday against a team that has the ability to move the ball quickly. The Rams have the 30th-ranked offense, but running back Steven Jackson was leading the league in yards from scrimmage before injuring his hamstring a few weeks ago. His status for the game is uncertain.
Quarterback Marc Bulger has been inconsistent, but has some terrific targets in Torry Holt and speedy rookie Donnie Avery.
ackson. He’s a bruiser. In the back end, we just have to focus on the receivers and let Kris Jenkins and those guys handle their part: the rush.”
Holt, who recently said he thought the Rams were trying to phase him out, hasn’t been as productive this season with 32 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Still, he needs just 77 yards receiving to pass Jimmy Smith (12,287) for 14th on NFL’s career list and has caught a pass in 145 straight games.
“I said what I said last week, so I’m going to let that go and move forward this week with a new week,” Holt said. “I’m going to come out and practice, perform and get out there on Sunday and help our football team win ballgames.”
Brett Favre has also answered questions recently about his happiness with the Jets and whether he’s OK with being more of a game manager in a conservative, low-risk offense. The veteran quarterback has said all the right things, and insists he only cares that the team is tied for first in the AFC East.
“Everyone thinks that my arm is bothering me or I’m managing the game or whatever,” Favre said. “Whatever it takes to win.”
Even if that means sticking to short passes in key spots, as he did during the clinching drive at Buffalo last Sunday.
nsive end Leonard Little said. “If we can do that, we have a good chance to win the game. If we don’t do that, he’ll probably pick us apart. He’s still a great quarterback.”
The teams are meeting for the first time since the 2004 season, when the Rams won at home. St. Louis has also won seven straight against New York.
“You can’t sleep on any football team in the National Football League nowadays,” Holt said. “It can happen to anybody. Your bubble can get burst any Sunday. I don’t think coach Mangini will allow those guys to come in and lay down. I don’t think their leaders on that football team will let those guys come in and lay down. They’ll come out fired up at home.”
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AP Sports Writer R.B. Fallstrom in St. Louis contributed to this story.
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