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Not only do the coaches need to deal with reality, but so do some on the business side. It’s time to put the past in the past . . .
Sometimes I like to go to the Jets’ Facebook page to put my finger on the pulse of the fans.
I was surprised at what I saw at the top of the page.
It was a picture of Darrelle Revis with a caption – “The Island.”
Talk about opening Pandora’s Box.
Let’s be honest, while Revis had some good moments last year, he was somewhat inconsistent, and certainly didn’t live up to his five-year, $70 million contract.
And that contract calls for him to make $17 million this year – GUARANTEED.
A lot of fans are very frustrated with that contract, not just because of Revis’ uneven play last year, but because of the team’s awful cap situation right now.
Maybe if Revis was making a salary more commensurate with his current skillset – perhaps $7 million, the Jets would have more money to work with this off-season, for players like Mo Wilkerson and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
But you know what, we are beating a dead horse here. He’s making that $17 million this year. It is what it is.
But the issue I have is with somebody on the Jets’ marketing side, the person who thought this photo and caption were a good idea. This is a case of being tone deaf.
If they think most Jets fans are kissing Darrelle’s ring right now, they are kidding themselves.
Pushing Revis as a marketing tool right now is a slippery slope. If you don’t want to believe me on this one, listen to some of the fans. Check out some of the responses to this Revis’ picture and graphic . . .
Vinny Maiorino – The island was sunk often last season. Revis is ALL about Revis. I will give him his props for the player that he used to be.
Noel Evelyn – The island is becoming old and expensive he needs to have a solid season! Give him help when covering the speedy wideouts!
Johnny Link – The Island is cracking… Now we are stuck with old broke down Revis Island.
Glenn Peskar – He needs to kick back some funds so we can sign others……he Is WAY overpaid for what he brings to the team now…….His past is a different story but sadly it’s his past.
Dennis Narvaez – The island got raided like Normandy last year. All about the money.
Look, I’m not looking for any Jets executives or coaches to be critical of Revis.
What I’m saying is they all need to take a reality pill.
As Noel Evelyn said, “Give him help when covering the speedy wideouts!”
He is exactly right. Give him double-team cornerback or safety help when necessary. Treat him like an older corner who doesn’t run as well as he used. Don’t let the contract cloud your judgment.
And that goes for the marketing department as well.
Stop pushing him as a hook that is going to get fans super-excited.
They saw the games.
April 5, 2016
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