They say no man is an island, but in Darrelle Revis's case, this phrase could not be anymore false. I'm sure that first sentence was used plenty times before, but it was too good to not pass up. Last season, Revis had one of the best seasons ever for a cornerback. Whatever receiver he was matched up with had one of their worst games of the season. He was so good the nickname "Revis Island" was coined because he was where receivers went to get stranded.After such a dominant season, leading the New York Jets to the best defense in the NFL, taking them to the AFC Championship game, Revis expected to be paid. That expectation and the Jets lack of adherence to Revis has led to him holding out, for over a week now. The Jets claim they'll play the season without him and still win a Super Bowl. Rex Ryan is a confident man. But Rex Ryan is a wrong man.
With Revis, the Jets could potentially have the best D in football for a second straight year. They acquired Antonio Cromartie, another great corner, and an aged Jason Taylor. Revis has the ability to singlehandedly shut down the opposing team's best receiver. That leaves the rest of the defense to blitz, stop the run, and double cover the rest of the receiving corps. Without Revis, the Jets defense may be very good, but they'll be missing the spark that makes them great.
Because of Revis's ability, the Jets are the ones backed into a corner. They NEED to sign a treaty with Revis Island to reform the alliance that's prime to take down the league. The Jets can beat bad teams with their current team, but without Revis, beating good teams and making a playoff run like last season will be much tougher.
Sure, Revis wants to play, and if the Jets really do not appease him, he loses big also. They have so far offered him a 10 year, $120 million deal, but without any guaranteed money. Revis is right to hold out without anything guaranteed. While it is hard to side with athletes making a boatload of money, Revis needs this extension done now. With a possible lockout next season, and this year being an uncapped season, Revis is right to want to be shown the money. He just came off a career year and anything could happen this year; injury, or a not as dominant season to make next offseason's payday less.
Though the Jets are saying they don't need him and are preparing to play without him, Revis will start in game 1 vs. the Ravens. They do need him, and being a fan favorite, Revis playing will have more fans in the seats than Revis not playing. With him, the Jets win the division, without, they don't make the playoffs. So, just as I said TO was going to find a team, preferably a contender, Revis Island will be back on QB's radar this season, and the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS will be the team to beat in the AFC.
Can't say I agree he's right to holdout. Right to want a new contract? Yes. Is he getting low-balled w/o any guaranteed money? Yup.
ReplyDeleteBut hey man, you signed that contract. You knew the consequences when you signed it. Show up, work out, maybe request to not play where injury is risked until you hammer out a deal.
Just my opinion. By the same token I think it sucks that a player can get cut and have his contract voided, where its guaranteed in other sports--not to mention the pension plan blows. NFL definitely has a lot to look at with this CBA coming up.
The only thing I really can't stand is the "take care of my family" comments. People have been surviving on a lot less than a few million over a lifetime.