Rich Get Richer as Patriots Get 'Revis Island' Advantage vs. Jets in Week 7

It's still hard to believe that star cornerback Darrelle Revis—once the pride of the New York Jets, considered to be one of the finest players in franchise history—now plays for the rival New England Patriots.

To call that a bitter pill to swallow for Jets fans—and coach Rex Ryan—would be an understatement.

Revis was once Ryan's great equalizer in his war against coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots. 

But now, in a cruel twist of irony, Revis will be on the other side of the field when the Patriots host the cornerback-challenged Jets on Thursday Night Football. And with the Jets sitting at 1-5 and their season on the brink, Ryan might have to watch as one of his all-time favorite players hammers home the final nail in his team's coffin.

When it comes to the rivalry, it seems as if the rich—the Patriots—always get richer, while the Jets continue to get poorer.

And this time, New England lavished its resources to buy an island—Revis Island—and its status as former property of the Jets makes the whole thing sting that much more for the Gang Green faithful.

While Revis, 29, is not the dynamic force he once was, there's no question that he's still one of the top cornerbacks in football. He's currently listed as Pro Football Focus' (subscription required) 26th-ranked corner, but he has undoubtedly made a major difference on Belichick's defense.

Conversely, no Jets cornerback is ranked in the top 49. Antonio Allen (50), Darrin Walls (51) and Phillip Adams (55) represent the top three currently on the depth chart, and none are good enough to hold a candle to Revis.

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Before the 2013 season, in his first major act as Jets general manager, John Idzik dealt Revis, one of the finest defenders in the history of the Jets organization, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Revis and the Jets had engaged in acrimonious contract negotiations that soured the relationship between player and front office, and Ryan was forced to watch his star pupil be shipped off to the NFC.

When the Buccaneers overhauled their organization at the conclusion of last season, the new regime wanted to move on from Revis and his massive salary ($16 million per year), and it released him prior to the start of free agency.

Suddenly, Idzik and the Jets were presented with a unique opportunity: to bring back the apple of Ryan's eye, a fan favorite and someone who could truly improve the team.

But as ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini reported, the Jets front office never truly tried to re-sign Revis, despite mutual interest between Revis and Ryan. 

Thanks to a smattering of holdouts and financial demands, Revis has earned his reputation as a football mercenary. He's evolved into the ultimate year-to-year player (he's currently in the midst of a one-year, $12 million contract with the Patriots) in the ultimate year-to-year league. There was simply no way he was going to come back to the Jets for less than optimal funds.

And when the Jets didn't step up to the plate, Belichick and the Patriots did, dealing a significant blow to the one-sided "rivalry" between the two teams.

For Revis, it must have been sweet. While he has a well-known affinity for Ryan, there is no love lost between him and the organization, and there's no question that Revis took pleasure in signing with the rival Patriots.

Don't believe that? Watch the above video, in which Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole details a potential plan by Revis to show up his former team during Thursday night's contest. 

For Ryan, watching Revis in a Patriots uniform must be akin to seeing an ex-girlfriend date his biggest enemy. Indeed, when asked how he'd feel upon seeing Revis on the other sideline Thursday night, he replied, "A little sick to my stomach," per Cimini.

Do you think the Jets could use Revis? Their cornerback situation is a complete disaster, and the team has degenerated into full-on dumpster-fire status. After winning their opener over the hapless Raiders, the Jets have dropped five straight decisions, and Ryan is squarely on the hot seat.

And as per usual, the 4-2 Patriots sit atop the AFC East and have won two straight games in dominant fashion to reassert themselves as Super Bowl contenders.

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Thursday night's game could be a nightmare for the Jets. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is mired in a season-long slump, and the presence of Revis on the other side of the ball isn't going to help matters.

Revis will have an opportunity to bury his former team and coach, and do so under the bright lights of prime time and in front of a nationally televised audience.

On Thursday night, Smith, Ryan and the Jets will be locked on Revis Island, and if they don't escape and thus drop to 1-6, the season will surely be over.

Because when it comes to the Patriots and Jets, the rich—New England—continue to get richer.

And Revis—its newest and shiniest bauble—could provide the death knell for Ryan, Idzik and the 2014 Jets.