Dee Milliner doesn’t have to be Darrelle Revis. But he does have to be better than this.
Through the first two games of his career, the Jets rookie cornerback has built a bridge for opposing receivers to Revis’ former island. Milliner’s shoddy coverage led coach Rex Ryan to bench the ninth overall selection during the team’s 13-10 loss to the Patriots on Thursday.
After Monday’s practice, Milliner recalled the difficulties in being benched as an 18-year-old freshman at Alabama, but said it’s much easier now, as a 22-year-old, to see it as a speed bump rather than a sentence.
“When I first got there, I was getting picked on the same way…it was probably tougher than it is now,” Milliner said. “You’re going to go through struggles, whether you’re young or whatever you are. You just have to get through it. As a [defensive back], you know you’ll get balls coming your way. You just have to go out there, have a short-term memory and try and make plays.”
On Monday, Ryan repeatedly praised Milliner’s physical abilities, attributing the early struggles to his lack of experience, but that does not mean Milliner necessarily would regain his starting status for Sunday’s game against the Bills if Ryan thinks Thursday’s replacements – Kyle Wilson and Darrin Walls – continue to outperform the rookie.
“The mental part, even just the nuances of a certain coverage … that goes with the experience,” Ryan said. “Those are the things we have to have him sharpen up on. When he gets it down, I think he’s got a chance to be a really good one. I don’t think there’s any doubt. But at the same time, we have to do what’s best for us and puts us in the best situation to win this game.”
Milliner could prepare for keeping up with the adjustments future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady would make, but he couldn’t properly appreciate until he saw it on the field.
After multiple mistakes, Milliner understood why he was pulled against the Patriots.
“Emotionally, I was upset with myself because some of the plays that I should’ve made, I didn’t make them,” Milliner said. “I think [Ryan] made the best decision for the team. You have to make plays.”
Though Milliner missed some of training camp while recovering from shoulder surgery, Ryan thought Milliner’s physical tools could carry him while he acclimated to the league.
Milliner will have another chance soon enough. Ryan just won’t reveal when.
“Did he miss a lot of time? He absolutely did, but we thought he could handle it,” Ryan said. “Again, it’s not that, ‘Oh, hey, he’s failed.’ We have to correct a few things. From a physical standpoint, this young man can play. … Basically it’s the experience. Certainly he has the talent.”