Texans DE Jordan Jenkins continues to adjust to new Tampa 2 scheme
The Houston Texans aren’t the only ones getting used to a Tampa 2 scheme after spending years in a 3-4.
The same can be said of Jordan Jenkins, who was an outside linebacker for the New York Jets after they drafted him in Round 3 from Georgia in 2016. The Texans signed Jenkins in the offseason to be an edge defender from a three-point stance as opposed to standing up pre-snap.
For Jenkins, playing closer to the ground before the snap means he has to be dialed in on his reads.
“You really have to be keyed in onto your read, because it happens a little bit faster and your field of vision is a little narrow,” Jenkins said. “It’s different, but it has its similarities. Sometimes you might bump down and play a little inside, or whatever. But you’ve got to be a little more physical and be a tad bit quicker, because you’re already on the line and things happen that quick.”
Jenkins has provided the Texans with seven combined tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit through three games. Jenkins was even activated over third-year defensive end Charles Omenihu for Week 5’s matchup with the New England Patriots.
As a defensive end, Jenkins says the foundation for success comes from film study.
Said Jenkins: “You just really have to be dialed in on your film studies and know when which formations (appear), and see some of the tendencies, like if maybe in 12-personnel, you’ll have a tight end that’s flexed out as a No. 1 receiver. You’ve got to know there’s a chance he might come in, so if the quarterback might ever make the check, you’ve got to make a quick nod and see if someone is coming in. Otherwise, you might get cracked in concussion protocol or just be on someone else’s highlight film. You don’t want to be that.”
Jenkins is hopeful he can make a few highlights of his own as the Texans face the similarly 1-4 Indianapolis Colts Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 6.
