CB Janoris Jenkins
September 27, 2017
Q: Do you sense anything different about the team, now at 0-3?
A: I just feel like everybody’s got a sense of urgency around here now. I think we woke up. Just ready and excited to see us go on Sunday.
Q: What do you mean by you think the team woke up?
A: You see more energy. Everybody knows what’s at stake. Everybody’s moving around and just trying to find a way.
Q: Why did it take the team being 0-3 to find that energy?
A: I mean, it’s not about how long it took. It’s just about what’s going on now. We understand the type of situation we put ourselves in and now we’ve just got to come out and go strong.
Q: Is there anything you can do to help cornerback Eli Apple?
A: I just keep talking to him. Let him know what I see, help him out a little bit, as far as technique and lining up and what to expect from different formations. He’s going to get better.
Q: Are there specific things technique-wise that you suggest to him?
A: Just basically about the deep balls, the pass interferences that he’s been getting lately, I’ve just been telling him, instead of him turning his head all the way around, just stay facing the man because he’s already at that point where he doesn’t have to turn his head and then the ball is underthrown and now he’s reaching and grabbing. So, it’s just small things like that.
Q: Normally they tell you to turn your head, you’re saying don’t turn your head?
A: I mean, you only turn your head if you’re behind. But if you’re on top, there’s no need for you to face him off and if you’re on top, turn your head because it’s going to be underthrown, or a back shoulder fade anyway. So, if you’re even or behind, I say you look and lean. Other than that, face off.
Q: What do you see from the Tampa Bay offense and quarterback Jameis Winston?
A: We know they’re explosive. On the outside, they’ve got some big threat receivers. Jameis is going to try to force the ball and get it up anyway he can. He’s mobile and he’s the leader of the team.
Q: Can Winston be prone to throwing interceptions after throwing multiple last week against Minnesota?
A: I mean, he can be prone to it, but you can’t hold a guy to what he did last week. Each and every week, you only come out to get better and we’re just going to do what we’ve got to do on the backend.
Q: What does Tampa Bay wide receiver DeSean Jackson do for their offense?
A: He’s explosive, a very, very good deep threat, quick, elusive. When he gets his hands on the ball, he’s out of there. And just competitive and we’ve got to be aware of that.
Q: Do you have to run long and hard against Jackson?
A: You’ve just got to do your job.
Q: Do you like the matchup with Jackson?
A: I mean, I like all my matchups. I just like to compete, I don’t care who it is. That’s how I take it every game.
Q: Is it more of a challenge when you go up against two receivers like Jackson and Mike Evans, who are completely different?
A: I just focus on doing my job. Whatever they give me, I just go in and do it to the best of my ability.
Q: How is your ankle feeling after the game in Philadelphia?
A: It was sore, but not crazy. Not too bad.
Q: How do you see the National Anthem protests around the league playing out?
A: I mean, you don’t have to say too much. Everybody sees what’s going on and we’re noticing what’s going on and at some point you’ve got to take a stand. And I feel like that’s what people and players around the league did. So, whatever way you’re going with it, in or out.
Q: Can you show your support without kneeling for the National Anthem?
A: I mean, in certain ways. It’s just how you want to express it, how you’re feeling at the moment. How hearing the National Anthem makes you feel at the time, when you know what’s going on around the world. You can take it all different way. Locking arms, like they said. Double kneeling, just praying. Just small things. It’ll work itself out.
