Round 2 of Randy Moss-Darrelle Revis Kicks Off With Respectful Smack Talk

by abournenesn

Nov 18, 2009

Round 2 of Randy Moss-Darrelle Revis Kicks Off With Respectful Smack Talk After Darrelle Revis and the Jets' secondary smothered Randy Moss in New York's Week 2 win over the Patriots, there was a brief slap-war of words between the wide receiver and young cornerback.

That battle will take the field this Sunday as the Pats welcome Revis and the struggling Jets to town for a highly-anticipated rematch.

Moss had just four receptions for 24 yards in that 16-9 Jets win, but he wasn't about to tip his cap to the former Pitt Panther. Moss said Revis relied on help from his safeties to shut him down.

"I have nothing against Randy Moss," Revis said in September in response to Moss' claims. "We won. We won and he had four catches for 24 yards. That's just what it is. You have to show respect when it's due. If it's not your day on Sunday, it's not your day."

Now, nine weeks later, Revis is standing by his words heading into the Week 11 rematch. The former first-rounder isn't backing down from Moss, on the field or off, a trait he's been able to prove in just his first two-plus NFL seasons.

"My reaction was, basically, everyone saw the game, everybody knows I was in man coverage, that was the case," Revis said. "He’s supposed to say that because [that day] wasn’t his day, he got shut out and was frustrated about it, which is cool. I don’t have anything against him. I still think he’s one of the best receivers in the league. When we go up against each other, it’s great competition. So if he says that, he does, that’s on him. But we play them twice a year and I have to see him just as much as he has to see me."

So when Moss lines up across from Revis this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, the Jets corner will be hoping for more success and will rely on his preparation to keep Moss at bay for the second time this season.

"Looking at that film this week, straight up, I think — preparation-wise — I think that I had a good game plan, covering him the best way, just switching up certain things off coverage: a little bit of press,  just making sure I’m giving him different looks," Revis said via conference call.

Since that loss, Moss has had seven touchdowns and four games with at least 100 receiving yards, including two in a row. Judging by film, Revis has noticed that the New England offense has switched things up for Moss since that defeat.

"Just watching the past couple games they’ve played, they’re doing different things with him now in their offense, so I’ll probably have to switch my game up when I watch more film this week on him," Revis said. "He’s been in the slot a little bit more, so defensive backs can’t get their hands on him. He can get a free release, sprint down the field and [make] acrobatic catches. … [It will require] me to change up my game plan a little bit on him."

Whether Moss and Revis have a quiet day on the pitch or whether the pair paints the pitch with yellow hankies after every play, Revis will gladly welcome more smack talk. He believes it's just all part of the game.

"Yeah, I mean, it’s good. It’s good. Like I said, I’m not going to disrespect nobody about anything," he said. "If Randy beat me on a touchdown, yeah, I’ll live up to it. Yeah, he beat me. He’s a great receiver. I believe I’m a great corner, too. That’s just how it goes. When you play against the best, you have to bring your game. You also have to give respect to the guys that you’re going against. I mean, they get paid as well as I do.

"So there’s no trying to get into a jarring match or a trash-talking match with Randy Moss. I say what I believe and that’s it. You live up to it or you don’t. One thing I know is I’m giving him respect — he’s one of their best, and it’s great competition between me and him. I love it, and I’m sure he loves it, too."

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