Darrelle Revis Pisses Me Off

      Bill Belichick’s decision to let Darrelle Revis go after the 2014-15 season was one of the more controversial breakups made by the Hoodie, and it left many Pats fans with a slight feeling of uneasiness at the time. Now two years removed from the decision, I (as a Pats fan) couldn’t be happier. The 2016 NFL regular season is finished, and Darrelle Revis has proven himself to be one of the most overpaid busts in the league. That’s really not much of a bold take; it’s pretty commonly recognized by your average football fan. For most of his career, Revis has held opposing quarterbacks to a 60.4 passer rating. This year, opposing quarterbacks targeting Revis are averaging a passer rating of 109.8 – (since when did Tyrod Taylor and Andy Dalton start slinging the ball like Tom Brady? Apparently they do on Revis Island…)

      What really grinds my gears is this ridiculous line we’ve heard from Revis about him “getting old” and his body “breaking down”. What a cowardly excuse for your shitty play on the field. It’s pretty clear that he’s lost that intensity and heart that fueled his early career dominance. He got his Super Bowl ring with the Pats in 2015, and shortly after he signed a $70 million dollar contract with the Jets. First the fearsome reputation, then the ring, then the money, and now…he’s become complacent. Revis has nothing left to play for, especially for the J-E-T-S. They’re not making playoffs anytime soon, so I guess why bother even putting in the effort to compete?  Oh, maybe because you’re a professional athlete who signed a huge contract and should have some pride in his work? Revis needs to realize that the NFL is a career, just like any other. In most occupations, you are expected to work to your potential or else you get fired. Why should Revis get special treatment? He’s 31, which isn’t even that old for cornerbacks, especially great ones that are expected to get into the Hall of Fame. Dick LeBeau retired at 36, Mike Haynes retired at 36, Deion Sanders was 34, and the list goes on. It seems that people are buying into this “getting old” talk from Darrelle Revis. He’s getting off too easy. I am sure Revis will find his way into the Hall of Fame, whether I agree with it or not. This past season, however, shows me a piece of his character that makes me hesitate before crowning him as one of the best all-time cornerbacks. I’m glad my team doesn’t owe this guy $39 million of guaranteed money.

Written by Matt Loehle