Darrelle Revis returned to the New York Jets, the team that drafted him in the 2007 NFL Draft, in the offseason after winning a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. Signing Revis has a free agent is arguably the best move by the team in the offseason, as Revis has played nearly flawless football in the first five games of the season.
After the Jets got off to a very sluggish start against Washington, trailing 13-10 at the half with all 13 Washington's points coming off of turnovers, the Jets needed a spark, and Revis provided it. After the Jets tied the game on their first possession with a field goal, Washington quarterback attempted to invade the forbidden territory of Revis Island, throwing an interception that Darrelle caught at the 18-yard line. On the very next play, Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ran for an 18-yard touchdown, giving the Jets a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Jets head coach Todd Bowles discussed the game-changing play of Revis, his league-leading sixth takeaway of the season.
"(Darrelle) baited him. I wish he could have caught it with a full head of steam. He dove forward. If he had kept his footing, he might have scored, but he's a smart player. He takes advantage of every opportunity that comes to him. He doesn't get many, so when they come, he's almost like Johnny on the spot." Revis has certainly been that, averaging more than a takeaway per game.
Next up for Gang Green? Darrelle's former team, the Patriots in New England. Revis discussed the matchup. "They're a team. Any team can be beat any way on any given Sunday. We're familiar with them and they're familiar with us. It's going to be a great game."
Revis continued, saying, "we've been playing lights out. We've just got to continue to make plays on defense and get the ball back to the offense for those guys to make plays. It's always been close in this rivalry. We have our fair share of wins and they do too. It's going to be a battle next week."
This battle will be one that all Jets fans will be watching, as it is a barometer of how good this team would be. A win over the Patriots, or even a tough loss, would certainly raise the expectations of fans. A loss, however, would raise questions of how good the team really is. The Jets face the Patriots on Sunday at 1 pm.
