NFL

Rex admits Jets will ‘miss’ departed star Revis

CORTLAND – There is a prevailing sentiment that the Jets’ can’t possibly be as good without Darrelle Revis, that they’ll miss arguably the best defensive player in football. There are others that hope Gang Green’s players will be inspired to prove they weren’t a One Man Show.

Rex Ryan said they might both be right, that they’re not mutually-exclusive. He admits they’ll miss a great player and teammate like the departed Revis, but vows they’ll be OK even with Revis Island having moved south to Tampa.

“I think both statements are true, because you’re always going to miss a teammate, especially a good teammate. He’s a great player and he was a good teammate, so certainly you miss that,’’ Ryan admitted. “But at the same time, you’re right: It’s not about one guy, and it wasn’t about one guy when he was here.

“We had a lot of good football players. Was he a phenomenal player? Absolutely. But we have a lot of good football players here on both sides of the ball, and I think you see a lot of joy out there (at practice) because the guys are having fun competing against each other and enjoying it. There’s a lot of good competition, and we think that we’re going to be ok.’’

One of the leaders of that defense is linebacker David Harris, who calls the signals. And while Harris readily acknowledged Revis’ greatness, he was confident that other defensive backs will raise their game and fill that void.

“He’s a great player, a great teammate, a great Jet. But he’s not here any more. (Antonio) Cromartie stepped up to be that guy for us. Now we’re going to need Kyle (Wilson) to step up next to Cromartie, or Dee Milliner when he gets here. But we’re going to do fine, just great without him,’’ said Harris. Asked if they’d miss Revis, Harris replied “He’s a great player. That’s all I want to say.’’

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Ryan addressed those other corners, including saying he hadn’t had any update on the unsigned Milner’s contract status and adding he had not reached out to the first-round pick with any personal plea to come into camp.

“I’m frustrated by it, I’m disappointed that he’s not here. I’d like for Dee to be here, there’s no question,’’ said Ryan. “But with Darrelle, he was under contract; that was a lot of my frustration that we had a player that was under contract and that wasn’t there….If I guy was under contract, that’s where I’d (be angrier). It’s not the first timer a player’s not here because he hasn’t signed a contract.’’

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Ryan praised Piscataway (NJ) native Wilson, particularly for his versatility and smarts.

“He’s competing for a starting job as a corner. Would we use him at other (spots)? Absolutely,’’ said Ryan, who will also use the 5-20, 190 lb. Wilson at nickel and even safety as well. “The great thing about Kyle is he’s smart and you can put him anywhere: It gives us some matchup things.’’

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QB Mark Sanchez worked with the ones again today, and while Ryan said rookie Geno Smith will definitely get time with the ones he was noncommittal on whether that would happen tomorrow, when the Jets don pads for the first time.

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Ryan gushed over wideout Clyde Gates, saying he wasn’t just quick but was a crisp route-runner as well, something rare in tracker speedsters. He also praised WR Vidal Hazelton – a Staten Island native – as CB Ellis Lankster and safeties Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett, competing opposite Dawan Landry.