NFL

Rex Ryan, Hipster Icon, Thinks Jets Defense Will Be “Best” In NFL With Or Without Darrelle Revis

Here’s a picture of Rex Ryan curiously wearing some high-top Chuck Taylors. I don’t know, either.

As for the important thing that’s happening, or, rather, not happening at Jets training camp: no Darrelle Revis. The Island is set to make a paltry $1 million this season, but wants a deal better than the three-year, $45.3 million extension Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha just signed. The problem with that, however, is that the Jets see the Asomugha deal as “outlandish,” meaning Revis’ wish to become the highest-paid corner in the league is unlikely to be fulfilled.

Woody Johnson, the Jets’ owner, says the main point of contention is over total compensation. He and Mike Tannenbaum, the general manager who just signed a new contract himself, have reportedly set a total compensation threshold that Revis and his agent, Neil Schwartz, want to exceed. However, Tannenbaum said on the Michael Kay Show that he’s “optimistic” about getting a deal done before Revis’ holdout becomes too much of an issue.

Except it already is. Despite the HBO show, despite LaDainian Tomlinson and the rest of New York’s star-studded crop of free agents, Revis’ absence is the purveying theme surrounding Jets camp. One sure sign that the lack of Darrelle is officially a big deal? Rex Ryan is saying crazy things about it:

“Our expectations with Darrelle, without Darrelle, aren’t going to change,” the head coach said after all his defensive players but the one who matters most reported on time.

Then, a few beats later, Ryan added the whopper: “It’ll be the best defense in the league.”

Revis’ importance to the Jets D has been beaten to death, but allow us to reiterate: he locks down an entire side of the field. His presence allows the Jets’ head coach to stack the box and do all of his crazy Rex Ryan blitzes. Without him, they are a completely different team, and not in a good way.