interception return for a touchdown against Carolina on Monday Night Football, the huge hit to break up a pass against Atlanta, the incredible leaping pick against San Diego, setting up the offense in scoring position. And, another interception in the shutout of Washington. Newman quietly had one of his best seasons, finishing second on the team in interceptions, pass breakups and forced fumbles.
Yet somehow it seems like Newman's 2009 went unnoticed. Somehow we were surprised he was named to the Pro Bowl ahead of Jenkins, thinking maybe the six mostly outstanding seasons prior had helped him get there. But that body of work has to count for something. Just know teams haven't forgotten about No. 41 over there.
Maybe we were all paying more attention to Jenkins because it was his first go-round as a starter and we weren't sure what to expect. But pay attention to what quarterbacks do with the ball this year. Are they going to start avoiding the young guy to pick on the Newman? Jenkins doubts offenses will change their approach at all.
"I don't think so, as long as we have T-New," Jenkins said. "They're going to always respect T-New. Hopefully they'll come at me. I like the challenge."
Opposing quarterbacks probably don't.
