Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis says his knee hasn't been 100 percent since undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn ACL and it's forced him to play through pain in 2013.
Darrelle Revis played through pain in 2013
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved in 2013, but their top cornerback was struggling.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
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'Tis the season for STRONG NFL TAKES and BARRELFIRE TRUTHS. Revis spoke to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN and was contemplative of his season and role on the Buccaneers since joining the team earlier this year. Normally confident, he acknowledged that 2013 has been difficult and a lesson in playing through pain -- but isn’t going to be a burden to the rest of his team.
“I’m trying not to think about it,” Revis said. “I’m not trying to complain. I’m trying to go out and play. I’ve been cleared to play since Week 1. It’s been an up-and-down year for this team and me individually.”
The 28-year-old defensive back is on pace to tie a career-low 10 passes defended in 2013, but is still having an effect. Despite dealing with the injury, there’s little doubt Revis has lifted the players around him. In 2012, the Buccaneers boasted the league’s worst pass defense, allowing 297.2 yards per game. That has improved over 60 yards this season to 234.9, good for 15th in the league.
Tampa Bay is poised for an interesting offseason where the organization will need to make determinations on head coach Greg Schiano, and decide whether rookie quarterback Mike Glennon is a long-term answer. Those decisions won't effect Revis, however, who should return to full strength.
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