Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a pass as Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) attempts the tackle at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis has earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s elite cover cornerbacks.
The five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro thrives on taking away an opposing wide receiver. Revis is so good at his craft the area he covers on the football field is called “Revis Island,” and he has 22 career interceptions.
The Chiefs apparently didn’t worry Monday night, and went to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe often in the first quarter despite Revis’ presence.
“You have to give hats off to (coach) Andy (Reid),” Bowe said. “He trusted me. He believed in me and when the play was called I made the play, and we go from there.”
Bowe caught three passes for 39 yards on three targets in the opening period with Revis in coverage. Bowe finished the game with five catches for 81 yards on six targets to help the Chiefs secure a 41-14 win.
Reid attacked the Patriots defense from the first series and didn’t back down, even when most teams around the league shy from throwing at Revis.
But it became clear within the first few minutes of the game the Chiefs planned to get offensive playmakers involved regardless who was covering them.
“Got into a rhythm early, which helps,” quarterback Alex Smith said. “We were able to move the chains early. I think offensively that helped us. I think it started with the guys up front certainly setting the tone, kind of got called out this week. Kind of got called out to the challenge and certainly stepped up to it.”
Ultimately, Bowe knew who deserved credit for calling the plays to get him the ball against arguably the NFL’s top cover cornerback.
“He was very aggressive,” Bowe said of Reid. “He knows I’m aggressive and he kept the quarterback aggressive, the offensive line was aggressive. We were aggressive and that’s how we came out with the win.”
