Darrelle Revis 'sad' for Rex Ryan

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis may be focused on life in New England, but the former Jet still feels sympathy for his former coach Rex Ryan.

"It's kind of sad the position that Rex is in right now,'' Revis said Wednesday on a conference call.

Sounding every bit the clone of his coach, Bill Belichick, Revis did his best to distance himself from his former club, whom the Patriots will face Sunday at MetLife Stadium. But his affection for Ryan is still evident.

"Me and Rex, we've got a lot of history. We all know that,'' Revis said. "Some of those guys are dear to my heart and everything. But like I said, I've got to focus on the things that I'm doing here, and I wish Rex the best.''

Revis couldn't recall his most vivid memory of Ryan during their four seasons together -- the first two of which ended a victory shy of the Super Bowl.

"It's a lot. I can't name one,'' Revis said. "We had some good runs up there. We had some great runs.''

John Idzik, in his first year as Jets general manager, traded Revis to the Bucs in April 2013. After enduring a 4-12 season with Tampa Bay, he landed on his feet in New England. The Patriots (11-3) won their sixth straight AFC East title Sunday with a blowout of the Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Jets are in disarray.

"The 3-11 year wasn't what any of us thought,'' said Ryan, who appears on his way out after a fourth consecutive season without a playoff appearance. "I appreciate [Revis'] concern. Shoot, we're going to do our darnedest to get our fourth win this week.''

Poor quarterback play has plagued the Jets, but their weaknesses at the cornerback position have been just as glaring. Asked if his old team could have used his services this season, Revis said, "I'm over here. That ship has sailed. I missed that boat.''

Following his release by the Bucs, the Patriots signed Revis, 29, in March to a two-year, $32-million deal that contains a team option for the second year. New England will have to pay him a $12-million roster bonus or he will become a free agent again in 2015.

But Revis was noncommittal about returning to New England. "I don't know what my future holds,'' he said. "Right now it's focusing on this week.''

Ryan did his best to avoid discussing his beloved former cornerback and tap danced when asked if the Jets made a mistake by not re-signing Revis during the offseason.

"You make decisions based on things,'' he said. "A lot of them work out, some maybe don't work as well as others. But I don't think it's fair to sit back and say this or that. The guys that we do have, I'm telling you, they play hard.''

That may be true, but the Jets' crop of cornerbacks can't hold a candle to Revis.

According to the Boston Herald, teams have completed 31 of 73 passes (42.5 percent) for 455 yards, a 49.7 passer rating, two touchdowns and four interceptions (two by Revis) when targeting the three-time All-Pro.

When reminded that the best tactic against the Patriots may be avoiding Revis altogether, Jets quarterback Geno Smith said: "That's always a good idea.''

Ryan refused to get sentimental in front of the cameras, but he couldn't deny his former shutdown corner is having "a great season.''

So is there a chance the two would ever consider reuniting on another team?

"Like I said, I'm focusing on this week,'' Revis said, chuckling. "We'll see, the future will take care of itself.''

Joked Ryan: "I think the better question is whether Belichick and I [will get together]. Hanging out, drink a beer or two . . . Yeah, I think I'd hang out with Belichick down the road.''