Malcolm Jenkins is a two-time Super Bowl champion and veteran NFL safety. Each week this season he'll sit down with PhillyVoice's Joe Santoliquito to bring you Safety Blitz.
The Los Angeles Rams look almost unbeatable. They are, along with the New Orleans Saints, the frontrunners to win the NFC. The Rams have already clinched a playoff berth, sitting at 11-2 before they host the 6-7 Eagles at 8:20 p.m. ET on national TV.
Los Angeles is No. 3 in the NFL in total offense (5,493 yards), to the Eagles’ 19th (4,585), and the Rams average 32.7 points a game, which is also rated No. 3 overall in the NFL, to the Eagles’ 21st (21.6).
The Eagles have little wriggle room with three games remaining, and not many are giving them a chance to beat the Rams.
But the Eagles do have someone who still has faith — Pro Bowl safety and two-time Super Bowl champion Malcolm Jenkins.
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“We’re not done,” Jenkins said. “All we ask for is a chance. As frustrating as things have been and how heartbreaking these loses have been, we still have an opportunity. All we can ask for is a chance and we’re not at the point where we’re going to give up.
“We still have light at the end of the tunnel. This is a good Rams’ team. But look at what the Chicago Bears did against them. You have to look at last week and stop the run first, and manage Todd Gurley. If you do that, you’ve earned the right to rush the passer.
“The Bears did a good job of controlling the play-action pass. Once the run doesn’t have its teeth, all of a sudden, you have guys in deeper parts of the field looking at Jared Goff, and you have rushes on him, he’s throwing interceptions or throwing into tight coverages.
“If you can’t stop Gurley, it makes for easy throws. The Rams do a good job with tempo and putting guys in different spots, where you can’t get tips and keys off their formations. We’re still right in it. No one is giving up here. Our goal is still right there, with a good Rams team in front of us that still has a lot to play for. This isn’t the time to fold up.”
Malcolm Jenkins Foundation Holiday Baskets & Toy Giveaways
On Monday, Dec. 17, in Camden and Philadelphia, the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation will be giving away 420 holiday dinner baskets that will contain a 14-pound turkey, box of stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and collard greens, among other healthy food items.
The giveaway will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday at the Antioch Baptist Church, 690 Ferry Avenue, in Camden, N.J., and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wynnefield PAL, at the Pinn Memorial Baptist Church on 2251 N. 54th Street, in Philadelphia.
“We’re expanding it this year to Camden, and a ton of people will be impacted around the holidays, so people aren’t scrambling provide gifts for their children or a good meal, something I was always blessed to have growing up,” Jenkins said. “I want to make sure those that are less fortunate have something for the holidays.
“Christmas is an important time for me, but it should be a special time for everyone. It’s why we’re branching out this year. I’ve been very blessed with everything I’ve received and I try to give back as much as I can everywhere I go.”
It explains why Jenkins has held the holiday basket surprise in each state he’s played in since 2011. The program has served more than 1,385 families. This year, with a financial grant from BNY Mellon and in-kind sponsorship from Brown ShopRite, the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation has expanded its program to include 140 families residing in Camden, a community in which 35 percent of households live below the poverty level. Through its expansion to three states, this year’s effort will support 420 families.
Settling a bet
Prior to the Ohio State-Michigan game, Jenkins made a bet with PhillyVoice contributor Joe Santoliquito about the outcome of the game. Jenkins, a former Buckeye, took Ohio State while Joe took Michigan, with the loser having to don the winners colors in the Eagles locker room. Well, the Buckeyes won, and on Friday, Joe settled his debt with the Eagles safety.
Follow Malcolm Jenkins on Twitter @MalcolmJenkins and Facebook at Malcolmjenkinsnfl.
Visit Malcolm's clothing store, Damari Savile: Born in the City of Brotherly Love, Damari Savile provides made to order suiting for those looking for a more stylish fit for their wardrobe. Located at 709 Walnut Street.
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