PatsBoy12

Hi all,

After watching the first two preseason games and looking at the young CB, I must say that I am really impressed. Before I go any further, though, I offer my . . .

Disclaimer: I understand that it's only been two preseason games and teams, for the most part, hold some things back in favor of regular season action. I know things can change and he still has much to learn. We should expect some growing pains once it really counts.

Now . . .

I am really excited about this kid. He showed a nasty, physical nature last night that I don't think we've seen since Ty Law left. It's now been two really good passing teams that NE has faced, and Devin held his own in BOTH games. He not only held his own against ATL, but he shined, particularly on the pass break up where he manhandled Roddy White. White was looking for a PI call that never came. That play was reminiscent of Ty Law handling Marvin Harrison in the AFCCG years back.

The kid has shown toughness, quickness, and plays the ball well. His future looks very promising. We've all been talking nickel corner, but if this continues, I would not at all be surprised to see him supplant Butler as the starter opposite Bodden. Now, I'm not saying that's an absolute by any stretch obviously, but it's highly probable should McCourty continue to excel going into, and playing through, the regular season. I, for one, have been more impressed with McCourty's play thus far than Butler's. It would appear his future is bright. In fact, I'd almost like to see BB give special teams duties to someone else and allow the young corner to focus exclusively on being a corner. He looks like he has tremendous upside at the position. Guys, we could be looking at a special player in the making.

Disclaimer 2: I didn't have the chance to watch him because we don't get any Rutgers games in my area. So, needless to say, I was highly upset when his name was called on draft day. I just didn't know anything about him and didn't think corner is the position that would be addressed in the first round. However, I think I may be eating my words in the next few years.

Mainefan

I had the same reaction.

mrwallnuts

I agree with your assement, he looks like he has more talent than any db they drafted since Ty Law. From what I have seen through two games he should start opposite of Bodden, which would give us two physical corners.

patsfan13

I don't know when but McCourty will be opposite Bodden, Butler's skill set is well suited to playing the slot, I mean that in a good way. Very excited by the Defensive backfield so far.

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"Some guys play in all-star games, some guys don't. I don't know who picks all those all-star teams. In all honesty, I don't know who picks the combine, for that matter," Belichick said. "How does (Miami-Ohio offensive lineman Brandon) Brooks not get invited to the combine? How did Vollmer not get invited to the combine? I don't know. We can't really worry about that. We just have to try to evaluate them the best we can."

Uncle Rico

I'll third that, and second the way-cool disclaimer. That one play where he covered tight in the middle of the field but didn't interfere -- that's pretty impressive for a young guy. I still like Butler a lot and think he'll have some pretty flashy picks and make plays, but somehow I already feel like I trust McCourty a bit more.

Keegs

i like corners that can actually tackle.

On one play i saw a pile at the line of scrimmage and you see McCourty run up and make the tackle on Turner. Turner should be blowing up any corner.

And i saw at least 2 other plays where he had great tackles on WR after a screen or quick pass designed for YAC.

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patsfan13

The 1 on 1 tackle of a quality back like Turner in open pace was real nice.....

__________________
"Some guys play in all-star games, some guys don't. I don't know who picks all those all-star teams. In all honesty, I don't know who picks the combine, for that matter," Belichick said. "How does (Miami-Ohio offensive lineman Brandon) Brooks not get invited to the combine? How did Vollmer not get invited to the combine? I don't know. We can't really worry about that. We just have to try to evaluate them the best we can."

FreeTedWilliams

I too was really impressed with McCourty's play, I thought that he made a few nice plays in coverage (One on a third down), and really stuck his head in there and made some nice tackles.

Bodden is one starter, it looks like Butler and he will take either the other side and/or nickel back. Both Whilite and Wheatley are looking much better.

Chung has solidified his starting spot, as has Spikes.

__________________
The Jets look like a Super Bowl contender right now about as much as Rosie O’Donnell looks like a threat for the Miss America crown. -NY Post 12/19/2011


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RelocatedPatFan

I'll have to take some more looks at the game. The kid did look pretty good out there and you do have to like his physical style of play.

I noticed on more than a couple occassions that he was giving a huge cushion 8-10yds or so to the receiver. He started in closer and backed up before the snap. I didn't notice this causing any issues or big plays and I'm not sure if the defense called for him to back up or if it was more his instinct.

Also need to look at the situation, if it was 3rd down, it makes more sense than say first or second. I wanted to see a quick screen to his man so I could see his closing speed.

Rob0729

McCourty was a shutdown CB in college and looks to have that potential in the Pros if he continues to develop. I can't remember a CB play as physical at McCourty did last night since Ty Law.

It's way too early in the game to annoint him anything, but I really like what I see so far. This entire draft class looks to be one of the best we have seen in years. It really could be like the 2003 draft class where 3-5 guys step in right away and make a big impact on the team. I can see McCourty, Spikes, and Hernandez being starters and impact guys this season.