TORONTO -- Turns out that New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis just might receive an invitation to the big birthday bash that Terrell Owens is planning in New York this weekend.
When informed Wednesday that Revis had expressed no intention of showing up as a party-crasher, Owens suggested he just might deliver a personal invite.
Buffalo Bills game live from the Rogers Centre in Toronto at 8 p.m. ET Thursday.
In a game between two AFC East rivals that's being billed as "T.O. in T.O.," the brash, high-profile wide receiver has a renewed bounce in his step. Aside from being back in the spotlight on an international scale, he's preparing for a prime-time game that coincides with his sudden hot streak.
With quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick providing a deep-threat dimension since taking over as starter, and Perry Fewell emphasizing an aggressive approach in going 1-1 since being appointed interim head coach, Owens is no longer an afterthought in what had been the Bills' popgun attack.
With 378 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his past three games, Owens has matched his scoring output and more than doubled the yardage that he posted in his first eight games.
"With Fitz back there, there are opportunities, and I feel like I'm a part of the offense," Owens said in a veiled knock against former starting quarterback Trent Edwards, who has been benched.
As for preparing to turn 36 on Monday, Owens added: "I'm drinking from the fountain of youth ... 36 and speeding up."
Revis might have something to say about that, though he kept his thoughts to himself in the days leading up to the game.
"Nothing," Revis said when informed of the T.O. marketing blitz happening in Toronto. "T.O.'s going to be T.O., and Darrelle Revis is going to be Darrelle Revis, just got to go out there and compete."
Revis, a third-year pro who's coming off his first Pro Bowl season, already has been kryptonite to numerous receivers this season. In two games against the New England Patriots, Revis limited Randy Moss to nine catches for 58 yards and one score. Last week, Revis limited Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith to a 5-yard catch.
And then there was his first meeting against Buffalo, when Revis held Owens to three catches for 13 yards in the Jets' 16-13 overtime loss Oct. 18.
"I feel pretty good about our chances," Ryan said. "I don't have a concern. I know T.O. is an outstanding player, but I have a lot of confidence in Darrelle Revis."
Of course, the Jets' defense, which is ranked second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed, hasn't been a concern for Ryan all season. The trouble has been an offense that has struggled behind the telltale inconsistencies that come with a rookie quarterback -- Mark Sanchez.
Sanchez threw a season-high five interceptions against Buffalo, including one in overtime to set up Rian Lindell's 47-yard field goal. Sanchez had another meltdown two weeks ago, throwing four interceptions in a 31-14 loss at New England.
Sanchez has thrown three interceptions in New York's five victories, compared to 14 in six losses.
Ryan has resorted to providing Sanchez a color code to remind the quarterback when to be conservative (red) cautious (yellow) or take a shot (green).
"Yep, that's unbelievable," Ryan said. "And the fact that we threw five interceptions is pretty unbelievable, too. But they earned the win."
Both cold-weather teams will benefit from playing indoors at the domed Rogers Centre. And the Jets could actually have the edge in a setting that has the potential to have a neutral-site atmosphere to it.
Bills CB Terrence McGee, who has missed the last three games, was limited in practice this week and is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Jets. **More ...**
The Bills are aware that it's on them to get the crowd on their side.
"We've got to play better," defensive tackle Marcus Stroud said.
Owens is planning to do his part.
"Here I am. It feels good," Owens said to reporters in Toronto. "I just want all of the people to come out and support Bills football. Obviously, we plan to put on a show tomorrow and show what the NFL is all about."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
