When you’re the best, you tend to face the best.
That’s certainly the case for New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis, whose reputation as one of the NFL’s top cover corners is well-established. His skills will be put to the test Sunday, though, when wide receiver A.J. Green and the Cincinnati Bengals come to town.
The Patriots have used Revis in zone coverage as well as man-to-man so far this season, but he’ll likely still see a lot of Green, who also has solidified himself as one of the best at his position. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised Green on Wednesday morning, lauding the 6-foot-4 wideout for his ability to “play at all three levels.”
Green had plenty of praise for Revis and the Patriots in return.
“He’s Darrelle Revis,” Green said during a conference call Wednesday afternoon. “He’s been doing this for a long time at a high level. … It’s going to be very competitive out there with him. I watch him a lot, so it’s going to be tough.”
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis echoed his receiver’s sentiments, noting that Revis’ physicality is part of what makes him such a difficult matchup.
“Darrelle’s skills are his ability to get up and press on people and run with them and really contest the catches,” Lewis said in a conference call. “He’s a very strong guy at the top of routes, and you see that.”
Slowing down Green still won’t be an easy task, but Revis will have some help, as cornerback Brandon Browner is back and practicing with the team this week after serving a four-game suspension.
Photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
