New York Jets Darrelle Revis won’t slow down for the NFL
Revis Island is getting older. How does New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis fight Father Time?
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Sullivan: Jets’ Darrelle Revis is a bit slower, but wiser – Sports – NorthJersey.com But if time and the business of football have put that lofty status into question, Revis has finally come to accept what was probably always true. Recognition doesn’t matter. |
| Source: www.northjersey.com/sports/sullivan-jets-darrelle-revis-is-a-bit-slower-but-wiser-1.1648523 | |
Do you remember the special season Darrelle Revis had in 2009? The year when “Revis Island” was born? His unique ability to shut down elite receivers and take them out of the game.
Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions.
Arizona Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald.
Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos.
All of these receivers caught 3 passes for 30 yards or less when they matched up against Revis. His 54 tackles and 6 interceptions may not have led the league but he dominated the receivers in other ways. His recognition of their running routes and tendencies allowed him to step in front of them before the football entered their hands, which amounted to 31 pass deflections, leading the NFL in that category. Quarterbacks soon learned that any passes thrown to their receiver had the high risk of getting intercepted so they rarely threw in Darrelle’s direction and chose to throw the football to other pass catchers. The way he blanketed receivers and covered his side of the field earned him the nickname Revis Island. In 2009, he truly was a cover corner in every sense of the word.
In 2016, there is a different Darrelle Revis.
“Let’s clear the smoke. You do get older. I am 31. Have I slowed down? Yes. I don’t run a 4.3 anymore. I slowed down a little bit.”
Age is not the only thing that has affected him. Injuries (a major knee injury, broken right wrist) have also taken a toll on him. Although he may not have the same speed to go toe to toe with receivers, he has other talents he can use. Experience. Breaking down game film. He still has the know how to recognize a route and disrupt a play before the receiver catches the football. What better example than when he picked off Colt McCoy of the Washington Redskins in the end zone in the 2nd preseason game? Darrelle stepped in front of the receiver to end the drive and not allow the opponent to score any points.
Revis Island is not the same as in years past. Receivers do beat him from time to time. But Revis is mature enough now to get around his injuries and being slower.
“I’m very technique sound. I lean on that and lean on the longevity I have.”
A wiser Darrelle Revis can still cover for Gang Green.
