The ever-changing saga of the New York Jets had a new twist this holiday weekend: Rex Ryan flew down to Florida to have a pow-wow with his star cornerback Darrelle Revis. In the report first revealed by the New York Daily News, Ryan went to speak to Revis about getting something done before the first game of the season next Monday night against the tough Baltimore Ravens.
Can you imagine how this meeting took place? As previously reported in this column early in the preseason, Ryan was lamenting the absence of Revis in training camp. He even suggested that Revis would be kissed on the lips if he ever walked through the door. Since Revis wouldn't come to the mountain, the mountain obviously came to him.
I can picture Rex running along the beach, the wind in his hair, his arms outstretched longingly. Revis is running in the other direction, using his skills to escape Rex's embrace, but even the best defensive back in football can't evade a determined Rex on the beach.
Once reunited, they talk small talk. Rex tells him how much he needs him. Darrelle counters with the fact that he doesn't feel the love. Rex reminds him about the kiss comment, and Revis breaks down. They get on the cell phone, call Jets general manager Mike Tannebaum, and all is forgiven. A four-year, $46 million dollar deal is all the love Revis has ever wanted. For now anyway.
Rex and Darrelle walk along the surf, kick a few shells, and they are back in business. Rex hums a few bars of John Denver's "I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane." Revis says, "I'll be right behind you, man."
The contract will be signed today as Revis comes to New Jersey; disaster has been averted. The Jets and their fans no longer have to worry about Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson filling the Revis void. With Revis back in the fold, look for the Jets D to be number one again this year, and that means everything with the shaky preseason Mark Sanchez and the offense have had thus far.
Has the drama ended? Probably not because As Gang Green Turns is the best soap opera in all of sports. But for now Rex Ryan can be seen as the guy who saved the season by sweet talking Revis into signing a deal. Who needs Brad Pitt when Rex Ryan is your leading man?
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