The HBO cameras were rolling at Florham Park, N.J., yesterday, capturing some early footage of the Jets to use for promos when “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets” debuts in August.
There was excitement from both sides over the upcoming five-part series that will take an in depth look at how the Jets prepare for the 2010 season.
“There are not a lot of opportunities to say I was on HBO,” center Nick Mangold said. “It’s a great chance for fans to see that we don’t just show up on Sundays and play.”
The only problem is, what good is any television series if the star of the show isn’t there? That was the case yesterday as cornerback Darrelle Revis skipped the practice and meetings without contacting the team of his intention to do so. Though attendance is voluntary, sources close to Revis made it clear his absence was to show his displeasure over the progress of negotiations on a new contract.
SANCHEZ CONFIDENT FOR MINICAMP
It’s only June, so it’s not like he is in danger of missing the season opener in September. There’s plenty of time to get a new deal done, but clearly things have reached a significant speed bump.
For now the Jets don’t seem too alarmed. Although Rex Ryan publicly scolded Leon Washington when he missed voluntary workouts earlier in the year before being traded to the Seahawks on draft day, the coach didn’t seem miffed his defensive captain was AWOL yesterday.
“This is a voluntary camp,” Ryan said. “You have to ask him why he isn’t here.”
It’s hardly a coincidence Revis decided to skip practice yesterday. Entering his fourth season, the All-Pro cornerback is media savvy. He knew the press would be viewing yesterday’s practice and take notice of his absence and call his agent. Now Jets fans know there is a potential problem.
“This is just part of the business,” Ryan said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Too bad “Hard Knocks” isn’t on the air now. Then maybe we would have some insight into what the Jets are thinking when it comes to a new deal for Revis, who wants more than the $15.1 million Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha averages per year.
It’s a hefty price tag. But the talks can’t deteriorate into the impasses and hard feelings created when Chris Baker and Pete Kendall wanted new deals and wound up leaving on bad terms. And don’t think the Jets didn’t notice how Washington never got a new deal until he was traded.
Still, if there’s any player the Jets need to take care of it’s Revis. He is the cornerstone of their top-rated defense and the most valuable player on their team. He deserves to be the highest paid cornerback in the league and likely will when this is all settled.
When it’s going to be settled is uncertain. If the Jets play hard ball, Revis might not be around for “Hard Knocks.” A training camp holdout would be the last thing the Jets want. They could come off looking dysfunctional, which is hardly the image they want to portray to HBO’s viewing audience.
This is a year the Jets believe they have what it takes to win a Super Bowl — a new stadium, the talent, the swagger, the chemistry, and an outspoken head coach who isn’t shy about bragging on his team. Those are the themes that excite the “Hard Knocks” crew. But that cozy portrait could be damaged if Revis’ negotiations drag into August.