New York Jets: It’s Time for Darrelle Revis’ Safety Experiment

After struggling through six games, it’s time for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis to transition to free safety.

Remember when discussions about New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis moving to free safety seemed premature? He addressed the topic on the Boomer and Carton show this past summer with a self-assessment (h/t NJ.com):

"There will probably be conversations in the future about maybe moving my position to safety. But as of right now, I still feel I can play at a high level, and play the cornerback position at a high level."

Let’s fast forward nearly two months later. Pro Football Focus ranks Revis No. 83 overall among cornerbacks, and he grades 52.3 in coverage. In case you’re not a believer in football analytics, you can trust your eyes with the NFL’s highlight package.

On the league’s official Twitter handle, you can see Revis struggle to put the clamps on Arizona Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald, who’s in his 13th season:

Fitzgerald isn’t going to outrun cornerbacks at 33 years old. Revis simply looked a step slow in coverage. In the past, both veterans ranked at the top of their respective positions. The wide receiver racked up 1,215 receiving yards during the previous year. On the other hand, Revis experienced a decline. Both players continue those trends in the current season.

According to Newsday reporter Kimberley Martin, Revis admitted that he’s physically wearing down after 10 years in the league:

"It’s just, I’m breaking down. I’m 31. How many corners are 31 right now in the league? The league’s getting younger. I know [Vikings cornerback Terence] Newman’s still playing [at 38], which is impressive. But I don’t know how he’s doing it."

It’s time to change Revis Island into Revis Border as in deep safety boundaries.

New Challenges at Safety

What can head coach Todd Bowles do about Revis’ sharp decline? You guessed it—move him deeper into the secondary where he can play off coverage as opposed to man coverage.

Many proponents of Revis’ position change reference Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott, Rod Woodson and Charles Woodon as prime examples of elite cornerbacks who’ve discovered new success at safety. Though it sounds as easy as moving a chess piece across the board, the transition requires different capabilities.

For starters, deep safeties typically align the defense. Woodson utilized his experience on several good Green Bay Packers teams to boost the Oakland Raiders’ defensive backfield. He served as the captain and chief communicator in their secondary for his final three years in the league.

Secondly, safeties must be able to strike and wrap up tackles when squaring up against the run. Lott finished his career as one of the most feared tacklers in NFL history. Nowadays, the referees would flag several of his greatest hits:

Nonetheless, Revis flashes solid tackling skills in his play. He brings enough power to bring down tight ends and stout ball-carriers. However, don’t expect him to bring the same fear as Lott when patrolling the field sideline to sideline.

Finally, as a safety, Revis can’t allow speed receivers to take the top off the defense. At this stage in his career, quick-twitch receivers will likely have a step on him in tight coverage. However, with space to gather himself and anticipate moves, Revis could blanket slot receivers at the top of their routes to limit deep threats and yards after the catch.

Domino Effect

It’s tough for any athlete to come to terms with their regression. However, an early transition may extend Revis’ career and optimize the Jets’ five-year, $70 million investment in him, per spotrac.com. He’s still on the books for another three seasons.

Next: New York Jets: Win-Loss Predictions for Every Game

With Revis at safety, Calvin Pryor becomes expendable. Known as a big hitter at Louisville, the Jets’ first-round 2014 pick has struggled in coverage since coming into the league. Through seven weeks, he doesn’t have an interception or a pass breakup. In 36 career games, Pryor has logged only two interceptions and eight passes defensed.

The decision to shift Revis to safety and trade or release Pryor could upgrade the Jets’ No. 28 pass defense. Bowles must step to his most respected defensive back and initiate the move for the player’s sake and save what’s left of the season.