Beware the Jets.
That’s the message today from cornerback Antonio Cromartie on the eve of Sunday’s home opener against Darrelle Revis and the Bucs.
Asked if he believes this team can surprise people this year, Cromartie said: “Yes I really do. Just by the veteran leaders that we have in the lockerroom, I think, a lot of people will be more surprised than what they’re expecting.
“There’s a different feel that’s in here that’s been missing the past two or three years. It’s just something about the guys in the lockerroom that’s ready to go.”
Asked to describe what that missing thing was, Cromartie said: “I have no idea. It’s that feeling in the lockerroom where you’re just like, ‘OK. We have a lot of talent in here, but we KNOW we can win a lot of games with this team right here.”
Cromartie is unfazed by rookie quarterback Geno Smith making his NFL debut.
“I’m fine with it,” he said. “I think for the most part, we are very confident in what he can do. And I think he’s confident what he can do. I think he’s a lot comfortable with the guys they have around him and the system that he’s in. So when you have a rookie quarterback that feels that way, only thing you can do is just tell him,’Go play football.'”
Just in case Smith forgets that he is a rookie. . .just in case Darrelle Revis is left stranded on his island. . .just in case Bilal Powell running behind Vlad Ducasse reminds historians of Emmitt Smith running behind Larry Allen. . .just in case Rex Ryan’s Too Five defense swarms Doug Martin and rattles Josh Freeman. . .just in case Vincent Jackson is locked up on AlCrotraz. . . just in case MetLife shows up as the 12th Man. . .the Jets needed to make sure their Victory Formation was inpenetrable. Bucs coach Greg Schiano returns to the scene of the crime Sunday one year after he angered Tom Coughlin and the Giants by ordering his defensive linemen to bullrush Eli Manning in a desperate attempt to force a fumble at the end of a 41-34 loss.
“I understand the theory of defending every blade of grass,” Willie Colon told The Post. “I think there’s a level of sportsmanship you gotta have. Nevertheless, that’s how he runs his team, and for an opponent, all you could do is just be aware of it and prepare for it.”
The naysayers don’t expect the Jets to be employing too many Victory Formations this season. Antonio Cromartie says don’t be surprised if you see it more than you think you will.