Falcons' Jenkins has eyes on strong finish

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Only three Falcons remain from the team that played in the NFC Championship game after the 2004 season.

Center Todd McClure and wide receiver Brian Finneran played in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and wide receiver Michael Jenkins was a rookie on that Jim Mora-coached team.

Jenkins, a first-round pick in 2004, is playing in his sixth season in the NFL and has the third-longest tenure on the team. After signing a five-year contract extension last season, he hopes to be around awhile.

While Roddy White has emerged as a Pro Bowl receiver, Jenkins quietly has put together back-to-back seasons with 50 or more catches. Despite dropping an apparent touchdown pass last Sunday against the New York Giants, Jenkins caught a season-high six passes for 76 yards and vows that he can contribute more down the stretch.

In a conversation with the AJC, Jenkins discusses his time with the Falcons and how he hopes to finish the season.

Q: You are coming off a six-catch game, how did it feel to have your season-high?

A: It felt good to contribute. I made some good catches on third down. We are going to need that to win some football games down the stretch here.

Q: How do you stay alert as the third option in the passing game behind Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez?

A: Those guys are doing their jobs. [Quarterback] Matt [Ryan] is going to do a good job of spreading the ball ... and finding the open guy. When your number is called you have to make a play.

Q: Do you take pride in your downfield blocking?

A: Let's just say that it's a good feeling. We all want the big plays down the field and want to be effective in the passing game. But to have the running back go for 80 yards, that's a good feeling, too.

Q: What is your specialty route?

A: We do a good job with the pinch routes on the sidelines. Those have been something we always seem to hit. The skinny post is something that we've always hit very well.

Q: Being in the league six years, what are the keys to growing and sustaining a high level of play?

A: It's really about trying to be consistent and trying to get better every year. This day and age, it's staying out of trouble off the field. They are looking for character guys now. You have to keep your nose clean, do what's right and continue to be productive.

Q: How does the family like Atlanta?

A:  They like it a lot. We are kind of far out, but they like the city and everything.

Q: What are some of the fun things you like to do with the family?

A: Of course, the kids [Brendan and Bryce] love Chuck E. Cheese. The jumpy places like Monkey Joe's. The movies and things like that.

Q: How much longer do you want to play?

A: Until they kick me out. I don't know. When I get to 10 years, we'll see what happens after that.

Q: How's [receivers] coach Terry [Robiskie] been?

A: He's a fiery guy. He's a great coach to play for. He wants us to be the best we can be, and that's all we can strive for. He makes it fun in the process.