Revis the Patriot: Countdown to March 10th

[Super Nomario]

Woodson also had his DPOY season playing half his time in the slot, where he could use his blitzing / zone / tackling abilities in a unique way without the pressure to be on an island all the time. He finished his career with 19 sacks and 32 forced fumbles, which are kind of crazy numbers for a CB. I think Revis might be better purely in terms of coverage skills, but I don't think he could do everything Woodson did there (he has just 2 career sacks and 3 career FF).
 
BTW, for those of you with PFF, the 2009 CB numbers are fun to look at: https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/signature.php?tab=signature&season=2009&stype=r&pos=cbc&teamid=-1&filter=50
Revis (in his best year) was targeted 111 times, 3rd-most in the league, but gave up just 41 catches and a 32.3 QB rating. He was 10th in most targets per cover snaps but 2nd in fewest yards per cover snap. Those shouldn't go together, but he allowed fewer than 4 yards per target.
Asomugha was just not thrown at - targeted just once every 14.9 snaps in coverage. Second was 8.6. That's insane.
Woodson had 9 INTs (best in the league), 0.86 yards per snaps in coverage (5th), allowed a 48.5 rating from the slot (best) to go with 0.62 yards per snap (also best), and also finished 1st in run stop percentage for CBs and 2nd in QB pressures.

 

[dcmissle]

 
While he may still be in his prime, I don't think you'll see it last another 3-4 more years. CB's generally start to slip once they hit their early 30's. While he's the kind of elite talent (like Champ Bailey or Neon Deion) that can perform well into his mid-thirties, not everyone can be Darrell Green.
 
Maybe he should start putting tootsie rolls in his socks and see where that gets him.

In retrospect, Darrell Green was astonishing, particularly at his size. Even here, people were not close to realizing just how amazing he was.

 

[Prodigal Sox]

In retrospect, Darrell Green was astonishing, particularly at his size. Even here, people were not close to realizing just how amazing he was.

 
So true.  I think the money quote about Darrell was "When you're two steps faster than everyone else, you can lose a step when you get older and still be a step faster than everyone else."
 
I think he was still running the fastest 40 on the team well into his mid-thirties.

 

[Reverend]

On the "Doing All the Right Things From Jump List, check another box:
 
 https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/461678265682632704/photo/1

 

[Reverend]

I think thats the epitome of "the exception, not the rule", right?

 
Very well stated. Bravo.

 

[Titoschew]

Mary Kay Cabot ‏@MaryKayCabot  1m
.@RSherman_25 reported his extension is 4 yrs, $57.4 million, $40 million guaranteed. Of interest to #Browns and Joe Haden, in extensn talks
 
Sherman reporting his own extension, setting the market for Revis and others in their own talks.

 

[soxfan121]

If Revis would take a 3 year extension with $29M guaranteed (added to his existing 1/$12M), it's a no-brainer for the team. 

 

[Ed Hillel]

That's a reasonable deal for Sherman, which is good news for the Pats. Three years, 38 million, with 28.1 guaranteed? Get it done, Theo.

 

[lambeau]

Sherman covers half the field; Revis Island goes wherever the primary receiver goes. 

 

[Ed Hillel]

Sherman covers half the field; Revis Island goes wherever the primary receiver goes. 

 
That's why he gets the .1 extra guaranteed!

 

[mpx42]

Revis doesn't seem to care about the guaranteed money...he wants the highest dollar figure. To date, anyway, given his willingness to take a five-year deal with no guaranteed money. 57.4/4 = $14.35 million a season which I suspect is the dollar figure he might end up eyeing on a long-term deal if he has the year he's hoping for.

 

[JerBear]

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/466255414905286656
 
Hayden gets 5/68 with 45 guaranteed.

 

[H78]

Thought I'd share this with SoSH - the sports apparel store "Locker Room" has a buy one jersey get the second at 50% off deal going on. They just got Revis jerseys in on Monday.

Why am I telling you this? For $150 you could get yourself a Revis jersey and get your father a Brady/Gronk/Mayo/Revis or whoever else jersey for Father's Day. Apparently the deal is only until Tuesday, but $75 per jersey (regularly $100 each) seemed like a great deal worth sharing with Father's Day coming up.

 

[H78]

Oh if you're on the north shore there's a "Locker Room" in Square One Mall on Route 1.

 

[DaughtersofDougMirabelli]

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Revis says his knee is fine. He also sounds like he already has the BB talk down: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4764300/revis-condition-of-knee-not-a-concern
 

On not being spotted at Wednesday's practice: "I'm fine. I'll leave the injury report up to Bill, and whatever he says he says. I was here today and I practiced today."  

 
I'm hoping he makes himself invaluable and work out a 3-4 year deal. Hell -- if things work out I'd be happy to pay the man for 2015 and take the cap hit.

 

[Corsi]

Still can't believe we have this guy.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Still can't believe we have this guy.

But they should have signed Talib!

This didn't take long.

@MaxDPD: .@dallaspd arrest Denver Bronco Aqib Talib for public intox after he was throwing bottles causing a disturbance. Talib was danger to self and others.

https://twitter.com/maxdpd/status/483246966231416832

https://twitter.com/maxdpd/status/483246966231416832

link to tweet

 

[Titoschew]

Talib's agent say it was Aqib's brother the one who was arrested, not Aqib.  That being said, Belichick and Kraft knew and did nothing.

 

[RIrooter09]

Hopefully Ward and Talib's possible suspensions give the Pats a 1 or 2 game edge for home field advantage. 

 

[Laser Show]

Hopefully Ward and Talib's possible suspensions give the Pats a 1 or 2 game edge for home field advantage. 

 
Not happening. Oops.
 
https://twitter.com/davidwade/status/483278947229372419

 

[Bergs]

Talib's agent say it was Aqib's brother the one who was arrested, not Aqib.  That being said, Belichick and Kraft knew and did nothing.

 
Excellent work.

 

[RedOctober3829]

http://t.co/tZh4h51HTK

Still can't believe he's in a Patriots uniform.

 

[Reverend]

http://t.co/tZh4h51HTK

Still can't believe he's in a Patriots uniform.

 

 
Love it.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Regardless, Welker recently took a moment with a Boston radio station to reminisce about his time taking on Revis when the two were in the same division.

“We used to have a lot of battles, when he was with the Jets and I was here," Welker told The Sports Hub this week, via CSNNE.com. "He would come in the slot and kind of follow me around there for a few years. He’s one of the best I’ve been against, definitely a great player. You can tell he really studies his opponent and really gets to know them.

"He’s a very, very strong guy. You try and mix it up with him, he’s just one of those super-natural really strong guys. You’re like ‘Dang, I really can’t do anything against this guy right now.’"

Welker's Broncos are slated to take on the Patriots at the beginning of November for a late-afternoon Week 9 AFC battle. Assuming both are healthy, it will be a blast from the past--at least for a handful of plays--between the two veterans.

"He’s a great player and we’ll definitely have our work cut out for us," Welker said. "Hopefully he follows Demaryius [Thomas] around whenever we play them.”
 

 

[brandonchristensen]

Revis tweeted this...
 
http://i.instagram.com/p/p6Szrspy_3/

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

That's awesome. Still can't believe this guy's on our team™.
 
Extra bonus points for the butthurt Jets fan comment (* for the naughty letters):
 

@fuzzynuts321 F*ck u. You'll never be as good as you were in the jets Traitor fa**ot

 

[Leather]

Who's the Jets traitor f----t that Revis was really good in?

 

[brandonchristensen]

"They're IN the Jets?"

 

[shoosh77]

New on ESPN Insider:
 
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11190704/nfl-new-england-patriots-secondary-surpass-seattle-seahawks-2014
 
 
However, that title reign may come to a close much sooner than expected, due to a strong challenge from the New England Patriots. When the offseason acquisitions of Darrelle Revisand Brandon Browner are added to the other personnel changes made in Seattle and New England, a strong case can be made that the Patriots will have the best secondary in the NFL in 2014 -- not the Seahawks. Let's look at the key reasons why.

 

[DaughtersofDougMirabelli]

Full article (retracted)
 
Summary:
2013 Patriots were surprisingly close to Seattle in a few advanced statistics (mid-deep YPA and Interceptions/near-interceptions), and with personnel changes (Pats +Revis/Browner Sea -Browner) they could make the leap.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Full article (retracted)
 
Summary:
2013 Patriots were surprisingly close to Seattle in a few advanced statistics (mid-deep YPA and Interceptions/near-interceptions), and with personnel changes (Pats +Revis/Browner Sea -Browner) they could make the leap.

Unless they can get a consistent 4 man rush, their secondary won't have the same results as Seattles.

 

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

http://t.co/tZh4h51HTK
Still can't believe he's in a Patriots uniform.

Same here. Getting gas in north NJ the other day, and saw a guy sporting a GG Revis jersey. All I could do was sit there and smile.......

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Unless they can get a consistent 4 man rush, their secondary won't have the same results as Seattles.

 
Plus Browner's going to be sitting out the first 4 games of the season.

 

[Carmine Hose]

Who really cares if the Pats are the #1 or #2 ranked secondary?  it's just nice not being in the low 20s anymore.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Who really cares if the Pats are the #1 or #2 ranked secondary?  it's just nice not being in the low 20s anymore.

If you're going to question a pre-season debate on who has the best secondary, then what the fuck are we all doing here!?

 

[RedOctober3829]

Patriots Porn.......looks like the entire secondary is working out together in Arizona.  This is a pic from Revis' manager John Geiger.
 
https://twitter.com/JohnGeiger_/status/486961432735408128

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Patriots Porn.......looks like the entire secondary is working out together in Arizona.  This is a pic from Revis' manager John Geiger.
 
link to tweet

 
Who else is excited about Ryan becoming Revis' padawan/apprentice?

 

[soxfan121]

I need a change of pants.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

I need a change of pants.

 
Who else is up for paying $20m to KEEP Revis? 
 
First I thought it was ridiculous. Now, I'm thinking if Revis delivers on par with his talents and not have any significant injuries, I say pay up and keep the Island anchored. 

 

[Phragle]

Unless they can get a consistent 4 man rush, their secondary won't have the same results as Seattles.

 
Yeah, and comparing personnel I would say 4 of the 5 positions are similarly talented players but Seattle has a massive advantage at strong safety. Chancellor is so much better than Harmon and Chung. The Pats probably have the second best secondary. I can't think of another one close. The Cardinals maybe, the Niners always do a good job, but I'll take the Pats secondary over those ones.
 
Imagine if they used #62 on a strong safety  :whistling:
 

I need a change of pants.

 
Me too. My erection ripped right through my white Gucci jeans.

 

[Dogman]

I would have thought Z Cavarichi.
 
Oh and me too.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

 
Yeah, and comparing personnel I would say 4 of the 5 positions are similarly talented players but Seattle has a massive advantage at strong safety. Chancellor is so much better than Harmon and Chung. The Pats probably have the second best secondary. I can't think of another one close. The Cardinals maybe, the Niners always do a good job, but I'll take the Pats secondary over those ones.
 
Imagine if they used #62 on a strong safety  :whistling:
 
 
Me too. My erection ripped right through my white Gucci jeans.

 
I really like Chancellor, but he plays a role that just doesn't exist on the Patriots defense right now.
 
That said, it probably doesn't exist because we don't have a Kam Chancellor to play SS. His ability to play in the box or get the robber assignment is something that could change the Patriots secondary scheme, especially with Revis in the fold. Because we have rangier guys at SS, the Pats (when not playing man) don't really play cover-3 all that often and generally stick to Cover 1, 2, or 4 where it's much harder to pull the SS down to play robber or in the box.
 
I've said it here before, and it hasn't gotten a lot of burn yet, but I think people will be surprised at how often Brandon Browner ends up playing the robber/SS/8th man in the box role. It allows the team greater flexibility to sneak in some cover-3, and having a versatile SS/LB hybrid in the middle of the field gives a lot of different opportunities and can disguise a ton of schemes. 

 

[Super Nomario]

I really like Chancellor, but he plays a role that just doesn't exist on the Patriots defense right now.
 
That said, it probably doesn't exist because we don't have a Kam Chancellor to play SS. His ability to play in the box or get the robber assignment is something that could change the Patriots secondary scheme, especially with Revis in the fold. Because we have rangier guys at SS, the Pats (when not playing man) don't really play cover-3 all that often and generally stick to Cover 1, 2, or 4 where it's much harder to pull the SS down to play robber or in the box.

The Pats don't play as much cover 3 as Seattle, but they have played a lot of cover 1 "robber" with Gregory in the box since McCourty moved to FS. Traditionally, they do a lot more two-safety looks. It's always hard to tell with Belichick when he's doing something to fit his personnel and when he's doing something because it's what he "wants" to do.
 

I've said it here before, and it hasn't gotten a lot of burn yet, but I think people will be surprised at how often Brandon Browner ends up playing the robber/SS/8th man in the box role. It allows the team greater flexibility to sneak in some cover-3, and having a versatile SS/LB hybrid in the middle of the field gives a lot of different opportunities and can disguise a ton of schemes.

Browner has the build to do this, but my understanding is his best skill is his press man ability and he's not great in zone. I could see them doing this sort of thing with Arrington, Ryan, or even McCourty. And it actually would be a pretty good fit for Tavon Wilson if he's salvageable.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

The Pats don't play as much cover 3 as Seattle, but they have played a lot of cover 1 "robber" with Gregory in the box since McCourty moved to FS. Traditionally, they do a lot more two-safety looks. It's always hard to tell with Belichick when he's doing something to fit his personnel and when he's doing something because it's what he "wants" to do.
 
Browner has the build to do this, but my understanding is his best skill is his press man ability and he's not great in zone. I could see them doing this sort of thing with Arrington, Ryan, or even McCourty. And it actually would be a pretty good fit for Tavon Wilson if he's salvageable.

 
What is "a lot", because that statement surprises me?
 
With the injuries to the linebacker group, Collins not getting burn until late in the season, and Spikes/Hightower being pretty miserable in coverage, it surprises me that BB would opt to go cover-1 robber at the expense of some of those guys playing man coverage.
 
the other option would be to bring pressure by the linebacker and have Gregory fill his zone (or take his man), but with BB's conservative history of using the blitz, it would be just as surprising if they did this "a lot".
 
If you had to take an educated guess, how much cover-1 did the Patriots play last year? Of those instances, how many times could you guess that Gregory was playing the robber (or at least in the box pre-snap or ended up in the box post-snap)?

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Browner has the build to do this, but my understanding is his best skill is his press man ability and he's not great in zone. I could see them doing this sort of thing with Arrington, Ryan, or even McCourty. And it actually would be a pretty good fit for Tavon Wilson if he's salvageable.

 
To be honest, I don't think that Chancellor is all that great in zone. 
 
It makes sense that Browners best skill is press, but I think playing zone in the middle of the field - where he'd have to just keep shit in front of him - compared to playing zone on the outside - where there's some more skill and communication with the safety involved - is something he'd be perfectly fine at.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
What is "a lot", because that statement surprises me?
 
With the injuries to the linebacker group, Collins not getting burn until late in the season, and Spikes/Hightower being pretty miserable in coverage, it surprises me that BB would opt to go cover-1 robber at the expense of some of those guys playing man coverage.
 
the other option would be to bring pressure by the linebacker and have Gregory fill his zone (or take his man), but with BB's conservative history of using the blitz, it would be just as surprising if they did this "a lot".
 
If you had to take an educated guess, how much cover-1 did the Patriots play last year? Of those instances, how many times could you guess that Gregory was playing the robber (or at least in the box pre-snap or ended up in the box post-snap)?

I didn't chart much last year, but in 2012 after McCourty shifted to S they ran more one-safety looks than two-safety, on passing plays at least (I didn't look at running plays). Just looking quickly at the Baltimore AFCCG, I have 7 cover-2 looks (many with man underneath), 10 cover-1 looks, 2 cover-3, and 5 cover-0 (mostly in goalline situations). That's pretty typical as I recall - still a good amount of two-safety looks, but about 2/3 skewed towards one-safety.
 
The Pats run a lot of combination coverages, where they might technically be in zone but they "look for work" (so it looks like man coverage), or are technically in zone but have code words to pass off players in combination routes (so it looks like zone). So what looks like cover-1 to me could be cover-3, or vice versa. But at any rate, they showed a lot of one-high safety looks with the other safety in an underneath zone, which is what we're talking about here. They did that a lot with Gregory. My subjective impression is that they did more 2-man shells with Harmon back there but I don't have any data for that.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I didn't chart much last year, but in 2012 after McCourty shifted to S they ran more one-safety looks than two-safety, on passing plays at least (I didn't look at running plays). Just looking quickly at the Baltimore AFCCG, I have 7 cover-2 looks (many with man underneath), 10 cover-1 looks, 2 cover-3, and 5 cover-0 (mostly in goalline situations). That's pretty typical as I recall - still a good amount of two-safety looks, but about 2/3 skewed towards one-safety.
 
The Pats run a lot of combination coverages, where they might technically be in zone but they "look for work" (so it looks like man coverage), or are technically in zone but have code words to pass off players in combination routes (so it looks like zone). So what looks like cover-1 to me could be cover-3, or vice versa. But at any rate, they showed a lot of one-high safety looks with the other safety in an underneath zone, which is what we're talking about here. They did that a lot with Gregory. My subjective impression is that they did more 2-man shells with Harmon back there but I don't have any data for that.

 
Wow. That surprises me. Like you said, it could be pretty easy to switch out the cover-1 with the cover-3, but that would still leave Gregory playing man, in the box, or robber.
 
Good stuff, thanks.

 

[Phragle]

I really like Chancellor,

 
Me too.
 

but he plays a role that just doesn't exist on the Patriots defense right now.

 
I don't know if we can say that yet. The Pats got heavier at SS, I think McCourty could play the Earl Thomas role, and Revis is here now as you mentioned. I'd be surprised to see a copy of Seattle's scheme, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a scheme that's more like Seattle than last season.
 

The Pats don't play as much cover 3 as Seattle, but they have played a lot of cover 1 "robber" with Gregory in the box since McCourty moved to FS. Traditionally, they do a lot more two-safety looks. It's always hard to tell with Belichick when he's doing something to fit his personnel and when he's doing something because it's what he "wants" to do.

 
Yeah. Are you going to chart this year?
 

To be honest, I don't think that Chancellor is all that great in zone.

 
Yeah, and he doesn't have to be. He is surrounded be great coverage players. They make it easier for him and can coverup his mistakes. Mostly I think he fits his role perfectly. If he had to play deep cover-2 all game (like Pats-Denver) it wouldn't work so well.
 
I think people overrate Seattle's D because of the SB performance, and the players get overrated along with it.
 

It makes sense that Browners best skill is press, but I think playing zone in the middle of the field - where he'd have to just keep shit in front of him - compared to playing zone on the outside - where there's some more skill and communication with the safety involved - is something he'd be perfectly fine at.

 
Yeah and it goes both ways. What if Chancellor had to play outside CB in zone? He'd probably struggle as much as Browner, if not more.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Just want to say