St. Louis Rams Rookie Corner Janoris Jenkins On The Mind Of Detroit Lions All-Star Calvin Johnson

Jan 7, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) eludes New Orleans Saints strong safety Roman Harper (41)during the 2011 NFC Wild Card Playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Lions 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit News’ Chris McCosky got some good quotes from the Lions’ Pro-Bowl wide receiver Calvin Johnson pertaining to this weekends matchup against the St. Louis Rams and rookie Janoris Jenkins. The standout rookie at Rams Camp will dip his foot into the proverbial water of the NFL this Sunday against arguably the best receiver in the league. Johnson was told on Thursday about Jenkins description of himself as a ninja assassin type of player, replying with

"“My coach says the best way to earn your opponent’s respect is to go out and beat them on every play,” Johnson said. “It doesn’t matter if he talks. If he does, that’s just going to raise my intensity level even more. That don’t help.”"

The last thing the Rams need is a fired up Calvin Johnson, especially after being exposed during the Week 3 drumming of the secondary, courtesy of Tony Romo and the depleted Cowboys receiving core. Jenkins overall had an above average preseason, including a dynamic interception return for his first pick-6 of his career. However, he will likely spend more time against Titus Young than Calvin Johnson on Sunday. Cortland Finnegan will likely be the man tasked for the job of following Johnson around the field. Unlike Jenkins, Finnegan has the experience with these NFL receivers to support his trash talk on the field, which Calvin seems to be very much aware of,

"“Cornerbacks don’t usually do a whole lot of talking,” Johnson said, laughing. “The linemen and the linebackers are the ones who do most of the trash-talking — they don’t have to see me. Cortland, though, he definitely likes the extra curricular activities out there.”"

Hopefully the extra curricular activities include including more than just talk, as Finnegan and Jenkins’ play will be crucial if the Rams plan to keep the game close on Sunday. Lets just hope Megatron is not too fired up…