DMN: BLOG: Orlando Scandrick: 'I'm competing against myself'

[Cbz40]

Orlando Scandrick: 'I'm competing against myself'

4:54 PM Tue, May 19, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon


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I had a simple question for Orlando Scandrick after watching Mike Jenkins get the first-team reps during the opening OTA workout.

Does Scandrick believe he'll get a legitimate chance to compete for the starting cornerback job opposite Terence Newman?

"I'm competing against myself -- and let the cards fall where they may," Scandrick said. "I'm going to go out there and do the best I can and compete against myself. I can't worry about what Mike or Terence or DeAngelo Smith or Mike Mickens or everybody else is doing."

Scandrick, a fifth-round pick, had a much more impressive rookie season than Jenkins. But Jenkins was a first-round pick, and the guys who get the bigger signing bonuses also tend to get the benefit of the doubt, at least early in their careers.

It remains to be seen whether a bona fide cornerback competition will take place during training camp. Whether or not that happens, it seems Scandrick has a firm grasp on the slot cornerback role in the nickel and dime packages. Not that he's assuming anything.

"It's a totally different year," Scandrick said. "I'm still trying to impress and still trying to show them what I can do."

 

[Rampage]

morning Cbz, I look forward to seeing O-dog play again this season.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

While that might sound good, the truth is Orlando, you are competing against Jenk, Mink, Smith, and Newman.

 

[Cbz40]

morning Cbz, I look forward to seeing O-dog play again this season.

Morning Mr Rampage. I enjoy watching O-dog myself.

 

[Jon88]

O-dog will be starting at some point. Did we give Newman an extension recently? There've been so many of them that I've lost track. I hope not.

 

[AdamJT13]

Scandrick, a fifth-round pick, had a much more impressive rookie season than Jenkins.

Public perception isn't always correct.

 

[Jon88]

Public perception isn't always correct.

Was Newman signed to a long-term deal??

 

[bbgun]

That was a shot across your bow, Mr. Jenkins.

 

[theogt]

Public perception isn't always correct.

Do you disagree? If I recall correctly, he was statistically better. And he sure as heck looked better to me.

 

[Jon88]

Well hell I guess nobody knows.

 

[Bleu Star]

Do you disagree? If I recall correctly, he was statistically better. And he sure as heck looked better to me.

He was better. Bottom line.

 

[KingintheNorth]

In today's NFL, the nickelback is basically a starter. He and Jenkins will both be a big part of our defense now that Anthony "who's man is this" Henry is gone.

 

[Bleu Star]

now that Anthony "who's man is this" Henry is gone.

This is such a huge blessing!

 

[Temo]

Do you disagree? If I recall correctly, he was statistically better. And he sure as heck looked better to me.

Agreed on both accounts. But if the coaching staff decides to start Jenkins instead, it'll be because he's the better player. I doubt there's much incentive for them to start the inferior player, as the author implies.

 

[Jon88]

This is such a huge blessing!

I hated that guy. He was the biggest liability outside Roy Williams.

 

[28 Joker]

Public perception isn't always correct.

You would think Jenkins was terrible if you listened to some people or some in the media, but we both know that wasn't even close to the case.

I'll say it again.

Mike Jenkins is a bigger, faster, and younger version of Asante Samuel, and he's going to make teams pay for throwing his way. His north/south burst is explosive. His long arms and size will allow him to cover bigger WRs (see his coverage on Larry Fitzgerlad last year when he covered him in that game). Jenkins runs a 4.38 and can run with you and catch up to you. He held up inside nicely last year, too.

 

[Bleu Star]

You would think Jenkins was terrible if you listened to some people or some in the media, but we both know that wasn't the case.

I'll say it again.

Mike Jenkins is a bigger, faster, and younger version of Asante Samuel, and he's going to make teams pay for throwing his way. His north/south burst is explosive. His long arms and size will allow him to cover bigger WRs (see his coverage on Larry Fitzgerlad last year when he covered him in that game). Jenkins runs a 4.38 and can run with you and catch up to you. He held up inside nicely last year, too.

If only he could learn to tackle Derrick Ward in the open field... Then he would be ok in my book.

 

[28 Joker]

If only he could learn to tackle Derrick Ward in the open field... Then he would be ok in my book.

What about Scandrick getting a penalty and giving up a TD to Steve Smith in the same game?


That wasn't Jenkins best play for sure, but how many appreciate his long arms and great effort when he saved a bomb TD against the Eagles that would have won that game for the Eagles. His fully extended dive saved that game.

Scandrick played Steve Smith very well last year. He pretty much took him out of the second game. Scandrick played very well for sure. I reallly like him, but AdamJT13 is right about the false perception that Jenkins was so below Scandrick.

Jenkins showed he was ready to start after the Tampa Bay game, but he was yanked. The progress stoppers are gone now.

 

[Bleu Star]

What about Scandrick getting a penalty and giving up a TD to Steve Smith in the same game?


That wasn't Jenkins best play for sure, but how many appreciate his long arms and great effort when he saved a bomb TD against the Eagles that would have won that game for the Eagles. His fully extended dive saved that game.

Scandrick played Steve Smith very well last year. He pretty much took him out of the second game. Scandrick played very well for sure. I reallly like him, but AdamJT13 is right about the false perception that Jenkins was so below Scandrick.

Jenkins showed he was ready to start after the Tampa Bay game, but he was yanked. The progress stoppers are gone now.

I don't know man... That whole feigning away when they were down instead of nutting it up and making the obvious tackle on Ward turned my stomach. He has a little work to do in order to regain my confidence. If he is going to do that in that type of situation it makes me wonder if he can be trusted when the cards are really on the table. Perhaps I am making more out of what it was but the video tells the story... Huge talent.. questionable head (IMO)

Scandrick clearly outplayed Jenkins and was a rock solid contributor last year. (unless my eyes are going bad)

 

[Teague31]

either way, we have two young studs at corner. how many teams can say that? and if we hit on mickens, we will have three of them.