Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins already is booking his trip to Revis Island.
Watkins said Wednesday he expects to be guarded by New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis throughout Sunday’s AFC East clash at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It could be the rookie wideout’s biggest challenge to date.
“We actually found out that he’s going to be following me around the field,” Watkins told reporters in Orchard Park, N.Y. “So I’m going to have to be prepared for his jams. He’s very smart. I have to be very competitive and aggressive off the ball.”
The Bills traded up in the 2014 NFL Draft to select Watkins fourth overall. The Clemson product is fast, agile and has the ability to blow the top off opposing defenses. His skills already have been on display, with Watkins totaling 24 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns through Buffalo’s first five games. The 21-year-old caught eight passes for 117 yards — both career highs — and a TD in the Bills’ only other divisional game thus far, a Week 2 meeting with the Miami Dolphins.
It’s interesting that Watkins said the Bills “found out” Revis is going to be shadowing him Sunday. The potential matchup isn’t surprising, though, as Watkins is Buffalo’s most dynamic receiver and Revis was acquired by New England this offseason to shut down such threats.
“He is the test,” Watkins said. “He’s a guy that knows everything. He’s a smart guy, uses his experience to help him, and I have to come out and be physical and prepared.
“I’m put to the test early. That’s what I look forward to, going out there competing with him. I know there’s going to be some good and bad, but actually, it will help our offense out with just keeping me in tune. I can’t rest. I’ll be engaged every play and really get the best matchup of the year.”
Watkins will land on Revis Island for the first time this Sunday. It’ll hardly be a relaxing trip.
Photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
