Darrelle Revis will play today
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star cornerback Darrelle Revis left last week’s amazing showdown with Detroit Lions superstar Calvin Johnson with a groin pull, and Revis’s status for today’s game against the rival Carolina Panthers was initially up-in-the-air. Since then, however Revis’s status has become increasingly optimistic, though Revis was still expected to be a game-time decision today, based on comments made by Greg Schiano as well as multiple reports.
But now, it sounds like Darrelle Revis will be a full go for what should be an entertaining one-on-one matchup against wily veteran Steve Smith, who has gotten the best of elite CBs Richard Sherman and Aqib Talib this season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Revis will play against the Panthers today despite being listed questionable, so it sounds like Revis won’t have to be a game-time decision. This is definitely great news for the Bucs, because they would be in dire straits without their best player.
Smith is tough to stop one-on-one, but Revis should be able to take him out of the game. It’s not an easy task, but Revis is the game’s best corner and regularly takes out the opposition’s best receiver. He’s not going to be at full strength today due to the groin injury, but he should be health enough to significantly contain Smith. And unlike Talib and Sherman, Revis is smart enough not to fall into Smith’s traps and play a physical game against a wide receiver who thrives against CBs who try to play tough with him.