When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired new head coach Lovie Smith, there was some doubt about how cornerback Darrelle Revis would fit his defense. Smith doesn't think there should be many questions--according to Ian Rapoport, Smith says he has "big plans" for Revis and that the cornerback "absolutely has a future in Tampa Bay."
Lovie Smith has ‘big plans’ for Darrelle Revis
The new Buccaneers coach is quelling some doubt about Revis’ future in Tampa, saying he has “big plans” for the elite cornerback.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Smith made his name as a Cover 2 coach, which uses mostly zone coverage. That was a concern for some, since Revis' biggest strength is in man coverage, and he struggled a bit under former coach Greg Schiano's scheme. However, Smith ran a lot more man-to-man schemes in his later years with the Bears, getting career years out of Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings.
Despite the ill-suited scheme and coming off an ACL tear, Revis still had an elite season. He graded out as the No. 1 corner on Pro Football Focus, finishing with two interceptions, 11 passes defended, 50 tackles and two forced fumbles. With Smith and new defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier on board, the Bucs’ defense could do big things in 2014.
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