MVP Watch: The case for Darrelle Revis (Source) New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan knows defense. His dad, Buddy Ryan, coached some of the NFL's greatest all-time defenses, including the 1968 Jets and 1985 Chicago Bears. Rex himself has been a defensive coach in the NFL and college since 1994, and he's best known for running those recent wonderful defenses in Baltimore. It's safe to say he's seen a lot. But when he was asked on Wednesday about the season enjoyed by Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis(notes), and whether he deserved to be the NFL's Defensive MVP, the coach didn't hesitate to give praise. "If someone really went back and broke it down, this award wouldn't even be close. Would not even be close on who should win. I do know something about defense, and I have never seen a cornerback have this kind of year, with one exception -- maybe Deion (Sanders) when he was with San Francisco (in 1994)."Well, now you're talking about all-time shutdown corners, a term that is overused and frequently mis-applied (except by this fine blog, of course!) A true shutdown corner, as Sanders was in the mid-1990s, will kill the production of every elite receiver he faces and erase about a third of the field for the opposing quarterback by locking down in man coverage. When that happens, other defenders can do other things. Safeties who aren't required to give help up top can shade coverage in other ways, blitz, or play the run. Linebackers don't have to commit to the short passing game on that end -- they can be more aggressive. It's why the Jets' run defense has actually improved since the loss of huge nose tackle Kris Jenkins(notes) in Week 6. It's not just that Revis has completely dominated every elite receiver he's faced this season (the per-game numbers are here; add Chad Ochocinco's(notes) four-target, no-catch performance in the regular-season finale and expect a re-run in the wild-card sequel this weekend), it's how that dominance has changed the Jets' fortunes. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez(notes) has struggled as most rookie quarterbacks do, which puts the pressure on New York's running game and defense. This is not a team that can afford to get into shootouts. They never have to, because of Revis. And as impressive as the per-game numbers are, the cumulative totals are truly astonishing. According to Football Outsiders' final regular-season metrics, teams allowed an average of 8.07 yards per target to #1 receivers -- the Randy Mosses and Andre Johnsons of the world. The real elite guys. The Jets, on the other hand, allowed an unbelievable 4.08 yards per target to those same elite receivers! One guy, in mostly man coverage, putting up those numbers. I understand that the overall Most Valuable Player award will go to a quarterback, or Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans; their candidacies are eloquently stated here. But if I had a vote, I'd cast it for Revis as not just the Defensive MVP, but the most valuable player in professional football. What he's done this year from a statistical perspective would be akin to Johnson rushing for 3,000 yards, or Peyton Manning(notes) throwing for 90 touchdowns. Not only is it groundbreaking stuff; it's one of the main reasons the Jets are in the playoffs. Revis means just as much to his team as any of those stars on offense. Shouldn't he be considered?
Nope. Leon Washington is best football player on the team. Revis is a close second (with Jenkins).....
FYP. Washington's injury might have taken him down a notch. He's also not as complete a halfback as Revis is at corner. Washington might have been the fastest, most athletic, and most explosive but he was not the best player on the team. Best player on the offense? Yes. Best on the team? No.
What? Where as Leon is or was really good, he was never the best player on the team. Maybe on offense, and even there you have Mangold, Brick and maybe TJ to challenge him. I would put him 2nd best behind Mangold on offense. If I had to pick between letting of them go, I would pick Leon. If someone offers a first for Leon right now, I would take it. If someone offered two firsts for Revis, I would tell em no in a heart beat. Revis is probably the best CB in the NFL, maybe even better than Nmadi. And he is barely in his mid 20s and still progressing every yr. By the time his career is over, I predict he'd become the best CB in the NFL history. Yeah, maybe even better than Deion. Revis is yet to peak and that is all you need to know.
Why would anybody even think Washington will still be on the team next year? He should have never turned down that 5 mil offer(or was it 6?) as it will never be there again. If he still thinks he should get more he will be gone.
Funny, I watched NFL network and Rod Woodson said that Charles Woodson was the complete package, then went on about Revis and actually made a better case for Revis than Woodson which Dukes then reminded him, funny stuff.
Leon is a threat when on the field, but he was only on in the lineup maybe 50% of the offensive plays prior to his injury. Revis is always on the field and always a threat that teams have to game plan around. For my money Revis is important to our Defense as a QB is on Offense! He does not direct our D line the ILB would, but he takes away the other teams biggest threat at WR allow more blitz's (since we do not have a true pass rusher) and/or double teams on other opposing players, something we should have done to Welker the last time we played the Cheatriots!
