Bills WR doesn't stand out against the NFL's best anymore. Matt Bowen
Terrell Owens will not receive a passing grade for his performance last night in the Bills’ 19-13 loss to the Jets in Toronto.
Three receptions, 31 yards and no touchdowns in a primetime game—an atmosphere that T.O. used to dominate, used to stand out and used to put the league on notice that he was a threat to take over a game.
However, that was before he was matched up with Jets CB Darrelle Revis, who did nothing but reinforce the fact that in the 2009 season there is no one better at playing man-to-man coverage—and taking a player out of the game plan.
Yet, these are the matchups that Owens used to win—and win easily—because of his ability to be physical off of the line of scrimmage and because of his separation speed once the ball was in the air.
However, did you see that last night in Toronto?
I didn’t. I didn’t see Owens go up after the ball and I didn’t see him separate down the field. Instead, I saw a corner in Revis who could play over the top of T.O. and mirror his release and routes playing man coverage from an off-man position—something I wrote about earlier this week and something that is challenging to do as a CB at this level of football. The Bills even used motion to put Owens in movement before the snap to try to gain an advantage.
But, it was to no avail against Revis.
Like I’ve said, Revis is playing the best football of anyone at his position this year—better than Champ, Woodson, etc—but we used to expect T.O. to win these matchups, regardless. However, even after Owens started producing big numbers over the last two weeks in Buffalo (14 receptions, 283 yards and 2 TDs), last night proved that Owens will struggle against the league’s best.
And I am wondering what that will do for the wide receiver when free agency comes around this spring. Do we now look at Owens as a player who is just an added bonus—if you can get him for a bargain price—or is he just another guy, a hopeful that you can plug in as your No. 2 or your No. 3 while the big money is spent elsewhere?
I was ready to call Owens a bust earlier this season, but I held off because of the situation he was in—playing for an offense that did not have an identity and playing with a QB in Trent Edwards who would have trouble finding a starting job outside of Buffalo. And then, after Dick Jauron was fired as head coach, T.O. started to show up. He was making plays, and he was getting open down the field.
I am still not ready to call Owens a bust, because he can still make some plays. But when matched up against the best, it is obvious that T.O. can’t pass the test—and that will hurt him when he becomes a free agent yet again.
We can argue all we want, but when scouts turn on the film from last night, they will see a receiver that doesn’t look as imposing as he once was.
Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41
T.O. won't be the only free agent this offseason. To check out potentially the 12 most intriguing free agents for the Chicago Bears, check out this article from Bleacher Report.
Hold on there Matt. If you're talking strictly man-to-man defense then MAYBE Revis is better than Woodson. But to say Revis is "playing the best football of anyone at his position this year" is a bit of a stretch. I realize Revis has talent and I would love to have him on my team. But I don't think he makes as much of an impact on a game as Woodson has this year. From a shut down stand point, Woodson has been matched up on the opposing team's best offensive threat most of the season and has been just as successful as Revis.
In addition, Woodson has better overall stats than Revis. Charles currently has 54 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 2 sacks, 7 ints and 2 tds. Revis only has 43 tackles, 5 picks and 1 td. Obviously Charles is providing a more well-rounded contribution to his team. I think the edge for playing the best football has to go to Woodson.
I will give overall play making skills to Woodson, no question there.
Still think Reavis is the guy when it comes to shutting down the best WR on the opposing team.
Professor7, the one statistic you fail to recognize is that revis has 28 passes defensed this season...which is 10 more than Woodson. He leads the league in this and second place has 21.
Has anybody passed the test against Revis? Still, I appreciate any article slamming TO and would love to see him in the UFL next year.
I agree. T.O had his day.
Woodson is a great player, having a great year. In fact, he's the 2nd best CB in the league...behind Revis.
Here is a list of the receivers Revis has put on milk cartons this year:
A Johnson
R Moss (2x)
T Owens (2x)
S Smith
M Colston
M Sims-Walker
Revis has only given up one TD all year - best CB in the league, no question
I am a huge Jets fan but regarding the Revis and Woodson argument- to be honest I've always felt that for whatver reason, maybe because he was a player a franchise traded, Woodson was somehow underrated. I think he is having a phenemonal season and he should be a hall of famer. Regarding Revis- I think he is having the best season of any corner back this year but that doesn't mean that Woodson isn't either. Meaning that All Pro designates two cornerbacks as the best in the league so any argument is moot.
The discussion is interesting because these are two different players, both great in their own right. While I would never say that Charles Woodson is at the twilight of his career, the fact that he is having this type of year at age 33, in his 12th season as a pro illustrates the type of dedication he has. Darrelle Revis is just coming into his own, as a third-year pro coming off his fir Pro Bowl berth.
As well, to minimize the competition that Woodson and Revis have dealt with would be unfair. If you look at the schedule the Jets have faced, with revis locking down the receivers he has, maybe that's why there may be more support for him than Woodson. In any case as I said, you wouldn't be wrong if you said the two were the best in the NFL.
Hey Professor 7, you sound like an idiot. Did it ever occur to you that Woodson has better stats because teams just DON'T throw to Revis's side because they realize it isnt even worth it. I'm sure if they threw Revis's side more than 5 times a game that the pics would be there. Think outside the box Professor7
Dec 04, 2009
11:51 AM
I'm sure some team will talk themselves into signing TO based on the fact that Revis has shut everyone down this season.