Mike Tannenbaum must have been optimistic walking into the world-famous Roscoe diner to meet Darrelle Revis’s attorneys. He may have even been debating between corned beef hash and rice pudding before sitting down at the booth. Unfortunately, 3 hours and probably 100 cups of coffee later, Tannenbaum left with only one thing for certain — the Revis situation is not gonna be easy.
According to owner Woody Johnson (who, last time he spoke to the media, fired then coach Eric Mangini), it is unlikely that the Jets and Revis will agree on terms by the first game of the regular season. Let’s make it clear: Revis is not expected to play for the Jets in the first game of the season.
The Jets players are carrying on with training camp as if Revis will not return in 2010-2011. Rex Ryan has said this himself. By all accounts, The Jets, who are facing a strong team in the Ravens in Week 1, are aiming for a Super Bowl win. While reports have praised Kyle Wilson, this year’s first-round draft pick, it is pretty obvious that any contending team, without their best player, is about as competitive as my grandma swimming the backstroke alone at the gym pool.
The situation reminds me of a small company, attempting to provide a service with extreme overhead. In this situation, Revis represents an asset that markedly lowers their overhead, immediately multiplying the success of the company. With the low overhead, the company can invest in new employees, marketing campaigns, or other ventures that would otherwise be impossible. To the Jets, “conducting business as usual” is impossible without Revis, as his presence made everybody’s job significantly easier. Defensive schemes, offensive philosophies, and personnel on the field will all change without his lockdown of the opposing team’s lead receiver. Attempting to blitz all linebackers with Cromartie, Lowery, or Wilson alone on one side of the field is like inviting Tom Brady to a dinner with a bunch of hot women — someone will score and it won’t be you.
That being said, it has become clear that there is no quick fix in this situation. The management cannot dole out money and meet his demands, as that goes against the team-first, loyalty mantra of the NFL. Revis and his agents do not seem willing to negotiate, as least as of yet. As the season approaches as quickly as an obese American catching view of a drive-through, the question of how the team will change without Revis remains unanswered.
Lets hope the TV tells us Wednesday at 10 PM…see ya there.
