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I know this is a very controversial things to say around here – perhaps sacrilege, but here goes.
You know he needs to play better this week than he did last week . . . . . . Darrelle Revis.
Yes he had a key fumble recovery, but he also gave up a number of receptions.
On the Browns’ first series, when they marched 91-yards down the field, on a third-and-one, Revis was beat for an 11-yard gain by Taylor Gabriel on an out-route to the right sideline
In the second quarter, on a third-and-six, Gabriel beat Revis on a crossing route for a gain of seven. Now the play was called back due to a holding call on guard John Greco, but that doesn’t remove the fact that he was beat.
Also in the second quarter, Brian Hartline caught an 11-yard pass on Revis on the right sideline. The play was reviewed, and the catch was confirmed.
In the second quarter, Andrew Hawkins was in motion right to left, and then turned around and went out on the right side. For some reason, Revis stopped following him, and Quinton Coples was stuck with him in the left flat. Hawkins eventually made his way into the end zone, was wide open, caught a pass, but couldn’t get both feet in bounds. The Jets dodged a bullet here.
On a fourth-and-two late in the game, Gabriel beat Revis on an out-route, but dropped an easy pass. Revis was beat.
The Jets won big. That is the bottom line, but Revis needs to play better than this.
But you know what, at 30, perhaps the quickness of guys like Gabriel and Hawkins is problematic for him.
The Jets need a stronger performance from Revis this week facing Andrew Luck and company.
Talk about a quantum leap in competition, going from Johnny Manziel to Luck, and going to play Luck at home, which makes him even more dangerous.
There is a hesitancy for some in the media to criticize Revis due to his lofty status. I don’t have that problem.
$39 million guaranteed means a lot is expected of you.
The Jets could get a huge break this week if wide receiver T.Y. Hilton doesn’t play. He’s iffy with a knee injury, and didn’t practice today. He’s not a great match-up for Revis because of his speed and shiftiness.
Andre Johnson, on the other hand, is an ideal match-up for Revis. The cornerback does some of his best work against the bigger receivers, who don’t have as much quick twitch.
What would help Revis and the rest of the Jets’ deep patrol a great deal this week is getting more of a pass rush. The Jets pass rush in Week One was pedestrian.
What should help the Jets’ defense in this game is their offense.
The Colts defense has issues. Their best run stuffer, DE Arthur Jones, is one IR. They are starting two rookies on the defensive line who the Jets’ veteran line should eat them alive.
And three of their corners – Greg Toler, Darius Butler and De’joun Smith – are all questionable for this game.
The Jets should be able to put up plenty of points on this defense.
September 18, 2015
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