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Does Revis have a problem with Schiano? Player says no

 
Darrelle Revis said there was "zero truth" to the recent Fox Sports report that he was unhappy with coach Greg Schiano's strict rules and the lack of man coverage.
Darrelle Revis said there was "zero truth" to the recent Fox Sports report that he was unhappy with coach Greg Schiano's strict rules and the lack of man coverage.
Published Sept. 19, 2013

TAMPA — Bucs star cornerback Darrelle Revis found himself on an island Wednesday, surrounded by reporters and cameras, having to shut down another rumor instead of a receiver.

"I thought those New York days were over," he said with a smile.

Revis said there was "zero truth" to the recent Fox Sports report that he was unhappy with coach Greg Schiano's strict rules and the lack of man coverage. To make sure he and Schiano were on the same page, Revis sought him out Tuesday for a face-to-face meeting.

"Why wouldn't I be happy here?" Revis said. "They gave me an opportunity coming off my injury to play football. I'm excited to be here, and at the end of the day, all I want to do is win games.

"I think the best thing through these situations is to be honest; be honest and for us as a team to stick together. A win will change everything. A win will change this whole atmosphere."

Revis, acquired in April from the Jets and given a six-year, $96 million contract ($16 million guaranteed), admitted it has been a tough time for the team being 0-2, losing both in the final seconds. But Revis didn't want to add any "distractions," so he talked with Schiano, who said he appreciated the gesture.

"There was a lot of stuff floating around, I guess, and he said, 'Coach I wanted to set it straight,' " Schiano said. "Great, good to see him but really not necessary. I told him, 'I love coaching you.' He said, 'I love playing here.' Let's go. It was good that he came up."

When Revis arrived, he and Schiano talked about the three-time All-Pro matching up man-to-man on the opponent's top receiver, creating a "Revis Island." But in a pivotal play in Sunday's loss to the Saints, Revis was on the outside while cornerback Leonard Johnson matched up in the slot with Marques Colston. Colston's 31-yard catch set up the winning field goal.

"The game is so fast, it happened," Revis said. "You can't sit here and say, 'Well, if he was on him, he could help intercept it or bat it down.' I think that's taking away from my teammate, Leonard. He could have intercepted the ball or batted it down. It's just something, it happens. The only thing we can do as a team and as a defense is learn from it and next time one of those situations comes up, try to take care of it the best we can."

Follow Joe Smith on Twitter at @TBTimes_JSmith.