Jets' Ryan heaps praise on Revis

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Darrelle Revis' eyes got as big as a couple of footballs.

"What?" the Jets' cornerback said Tuesday before letting out a laugh. "What did he say?"

Rex Ryan's lofty words - the ones that called Revis the best player in football - were being relayed to the Pro Bowler and he seemed rather taken aback, almost incredulous Ryan even went there with such high praise. Ryan was glowing in his assessment of Revis' off-the-charts performance against Colts wideout Reggie Wayne, who had 111 catches which was second in the league this season. Ryan said that limiting Wayne to one measly reception for 1 yard proved just why the third-year pro is the best the NFL has to offer at any position.

Better than Peyton Manning. Better than Tom Brady. Better than anyone, period.

"That's kind of a big, bold statement," Revis said. "People can differ from that. They have different opinions and usually it's a quarterback, a Peyton Manning or a Tom Brady, a guy who can really control the game - or an offensive player. Him saying that for a defensive player, that's mind-boggling to me. But hey, I guess that's how he feels."

Revis stopped short of signing on with Ryan and agreeing he's the top player in the league, though.

"I think I'm one of the best," he said. "I don't know if I can say I'm the best because I really have no stats this year. I have no interceptions and a couple of tackles and that's about it. But one thing I do strive on is just trying to be consistent in my techniques in what I do and when I cover guys."

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Revis' cover skills left Wayne fuming, wondering why he even suited up since he got only one ball thrown his way. Revis was surprised Manning didn't test him more, something he believes Brady won't shy away from when the Jets meet the Patriots Sunday.

"Every week, I expect the quarterbacks to come at me," Revis said, "and this week, I'm expecting Tom Brady to throw at me."

Since not many have, Revis doesn't have many tangible statistics. Just 36 tackles, 13 passes defensed and zero interceptions. But all it really takes is a look at the numbers he's held some of the NFL's top receivers to this season. Randy Moss, Charles Johnson, Andre Johnson, Terrell Owens, Devon Bess and Hines Ward combined for 13 receptions for 140 yards and a TD.

Johnson was the only player who caught more than three passes against Revis, and he was still a total non-factor.

"It's just a point of him shutting down receivers," fellow cornerback Antonio Cromartie said. "Since he's been back and fully healthy, there's not a catch that he's really even given up or even a touchdown. So if you look at the things that he does to a receiver to the point where an offensive coordinator won't even look to his side. That speaks for itself."

The Jets need Revis to be at his usual All-Pro level come Sunday against the Patriots, especially if he's going to guard Wes Welker, New England's diminutive wideout who's so adept at taking short passes and converting them into long gains. He's not sure who'll be on his island just yet, however, and didn't seem overly concerned with whomever his next visitor might be. "It really doesn't matter," Revis said. "If they want to put me on Danny Woodhead, it really don't matter. I just have to do my job and trust my teammates to do their job, as well."