Devin McCourty

[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.

 

[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.

 

[patsfan13]

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.

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

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

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.

Good stuff. Zoltan and Gronk will be impact guys as well.

 

[Rob0729]

Good stuff. Zoltan and Gronk will be impact guys as well.

Didn't mean to leave those guys out, but I was just talking about guys who could make huge impacts as starters on offense or defense. Zoltan is a punter and Gronk hasn't impressed me enough yet.

 

[N.Eman]

I think I'll keep my fingers crossed till after the Giants preseason game. Hope he keeps it up and does excel to another level quickly as he's doing, and then we'll bring this up again.

 

[Big-T]

Good start for him, and lets hope it continues - wasn't it his Rutgers coach who said he could be the next Revis?

 

[The_Riddler]

Loved McCourty's physical game last night. Run support was stout and solid, and his closing speed on sideline outs and cuts is top notch. This kid will be the starter next to Bodden and BB will move Butler inside.

Chung looked good also, he was late on one read, nice stick, but the stick was late, everything else I've seen of him was up.

I love this young secondary.

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

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.

+1.

I said he would end up starting over Butler a while ago. Heck, that is why they drafted him. And he is definitely Ty Law material.

Butler is sink or swim, feast or famine. McCourty is consistent, although not perfect yet.

 

[WhiZa]

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.

He had a couple tackles on Turner. The one you're talking about inside the hash marks was a shoe string tackle where Mccourty came out of no where to trip him up. He would of definitely had 10+ yards on the play. The other was towards the sideline where he took him on 1v1 and got the tackle. Include the couple of good pass break ups and he had a great game.

 

[Sicilian]

McCourty had a nice corner blitz at one points too where he got some good pressure. I think he hit the QB (might have been Wilson at the time) also. He looks very comfortable and very versatile so far.

 

[Kasmir]

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

He did the same thing last week vs the Saints at the goal line, and I remember thinking how unusual a play that is for a CB.

Beginning to see how it could be that last year at Rutgers 38% of his plays ended drives...

 

[Bostonian1962]

I loved his back to back tackles, one where ATL showed passed, but ran the ball. He didn't buy the fake and came flying in to knock the guys feet out from under him. The next one was a nice wrap up tackle on a pass play.

By the way, if one CB starter from last year is replaced with McCourty, one ILB starter from last year is replaced by Spikes, and one Free Safety starter from last year is replaced by Chung, than that is three spots on D that BB feels he is improving with upgraded talent.

By definition, the defense should be improved this year (with my asterisk being the loss of Ty Warren, although he played hurt last year anyway).

By the way, with as excited as everybody is at their performances, keep in mind that one is a 2nd year player, and two are rookies, so they are only going to get better and better. Pretty exciting stuff.