By Rich Cimini
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The prime-time showdown between Darrelle Revis and Terrell Owens just became a lot juicier.
Owens, whom Revis called a "slouch" last offseason, fired back Tuesday at the New York Jets' star cornerback. Speaking to reporters in Cincinnati, Owens referred to Revis as an "average corner," painting him as a one-year wonder who still hasn't proved himself as an elite cornerback.
The rivalry resumes Thursday night at the New Meadowlands Stadium, where the Jets (8-2) face the woeful Bengals (2-8).
While with the Bills, Terrell Owens couldn't solve Darrelle Revis.
"Just an average corner to me," said Owens, the Cincinnati Bengals' leading receiver. "Everybody has assessed his abilities as far as what he did last year, shutdown corner, this and that. He did very well last year. But I think I'm looking forward to the challenge just like he's looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm not going to back down from anyone. I know my skill set. Last year we played, I know why I didn't perform to the best of my abilities. It's going to be a great game on Thursday."
As a member of the offensively challenged Buffalo Bills, Owens managed only six catches for 44 yards in two games against Revis. Owens, who turns 37 on Dec. 7, is enjoying a rebirth in Cincinnati. He's among the league leaders in receptions (62) and yardage (897).
Owens was asked how he'd rate Revis against some of the best corners he's faced.
"In my career? He's a great corner -- uh, a good corner," Owens said, correcting himself. "The guys I have played with throughout my career ... I've faced Deion Sanders, Aeneas Williams, Todd Lyght, guys like that. ... Charles Woodson, throughout my career."
Darrelle Revis
Jets CB Darrelle Revis about which Bengal he'll be covering, his thoughts on Terrell Owens' performance this season and his relationship with T.O.
Owens doesn't believe Revis is in that class.
"No disrespect, he's only done one thing for one year," Owens said. "You talk about shut-down corners, you need to repeatedly do it, year in and year out. I think he did it one year and everybody made a lot of hoopla about it. I think, you know, he started feeling himself, then he wanted to come out and say that I'm a slouch.
"Other than that, dude, I am never going to back down from any competition. That has never been in my nature. I am always going to compete every Sunday and that has always been in my nature."
In an offseason TV interview, Revis used the word "slouch" when Owens was mentioned in a word association. Owens fired back in Week 2, via Twitter, when Revis was burned by Randy Moss for a touchdown in the Jets' win over the New England Patriots.
Owens Tweeted, "I see Revis Island gettin' exposed. Now that hammy is really hurting."
That didn't sit well with Revis, who told reporters at the time, "He just put a big chip on my shoulder."
On Monday, Revis refused to be drawn into a war of words with Owens, but he also didn't back down from his "slouch" comment.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The prime-time showdown between Darrelle Revis and Terrell Owens just became a lot juicier.
Owens, whom Revis called a "slouch" last offseason, fired back Tuesday at the New York Jets' star cornerback. Speaking to reporters in Cincinnati, Owens referred to Revis as an "average corner," painting him as a one-year wonder who still hasn't proved himself as an elite cornerback.
The rivalry resumes Thursday night at the New Meadowlands Stadium, where the Jets (8-2) face the woeful Bengals (2-8).
While with the Bills, Terrell Owens couldn't solve Darrelle Revis.
"Just an average corner to me," said Owens, the Cincinnati Bengals' leading receiver. "Everybody has assessed his abilities as far as what he did last year, shutdown corner, this and that. He did very well last year. But I think I'm looking forward to the challenge just like he's looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm not going to back down from anyone. I know my skill set. Last year we played, I know why I didn't perform to the best of my abilities. It's going to be a great game on Thursday."
As a member of the offensively challenged Buffalo Bills, Owens managed only six catches for 44 yards in two games against Revis. Owens, who turns 37 on Dec. 7, is enjoying a rebirth in Cincinnati. He's among the league leaders in receptions (62) and yardage (897).
Owens was asked how he'd rate Revis against some of the best corners he's faced.
"In my career? He's a great corner -- uh, a good corner," Owens said, correcting himself. "The guys I have played with throughout my career ... I've faced Deion Sanders, Aeneas Williams, Todd Lyght, guys like that. ... Charles Woodson, throughout my career."
Darrelle Revis
Jets CB Darrelle Revis about which Bengal he'll be covering, his thoughts on Terrell Owens' performance this season and his relationship with T.O.
Owens doesn't believe Revis is in that class.
"No disrespect, he's only done one thing for one year," Owens said. "You talk about shut-down corners, you need to repeatedly do it, year in and year out. I think he did it one year and everybody made a lot of hoopla about it. I think, you know, he started feeling himself, then he wanted to come out and say that I'm a slouch.
"Other than that, dude, I am never going to back down from any competition. That has never been in my nature. I am always going to compete every Sunday and that has always been in my nature."
In an offseason TV interview, Revis used the word "slouch" when Owens was mentioned in a word association. Owens fired back in Week 2, via Twitter, when Revis was burned by Randy Moss for a touchdown in the Jets' win over the New England Patriots.
Owens Tweeted, "I see Revis Island gettin' exposed. Now that hammy is really hurting."
That didn't sit well with Revis, who told reporters at the time, "He just put a big chip on my shoulder."
On Monday, Revis refused to be drawn into a war of words with Owens, but he also didn't back down from his "slouch" comment.
I do agree that Revis has to do this year in and year out for him to be among the best ever...but he's one of the best if not the best right now. 6rec, 44 yards against Revis last year...it's nothing to get owned by Revis Christ.
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