Do you really think that starters are annointed and not subject to competing for their jobs during the off-season, camp and season?
No. I don't believe that Belichick would just anoint an unproven player to be a starter, nor did I say that. But, I believe that McCourty has earn the right to believe that he's the New England Patriots' starting left corner back this off-season. He has been the starting left corner back all of the 2010 pre-season and through fourteen games, thus far this season. I believe he has played the majority of his snaps.
I think the only rookie corner back that could make a similar claim is Kareem Jackson (he didn't start two pre-season games).
I don't know McCourty personally, but from what you read or hear about his character, you probably don't need to tell him not to rest on his laurels.
In the case of Bodden, sure, he must prove on the field to those that matter that he wants to take back the other starting corner back position. Again, if you think I think otherwise. Then you've misread me.
I wrote, "In accordance to Rotoworld, Arrington will be an "Exclusive Rights Free Agent." Regardless, in your mind, has he shown enough this season to be a returning starter next season ahead of Butler.
Or should Belichick make corner back opposite McCourty an open competition.
In my opinion, I would like to see somebody beat out Arrington. I wonder, has Arrington played better than Butler or has Butler simply played worst. I want to give Butler another chance, though.
When you're ranked statistically as one of the lower tier secondaries in the league. Blame goes all around.
And what to do with Bodden. Do you move McCourty over to right corner back?
Or do you decide on a right corner back and Bodden is the backup to McCourty at left corner back going forward."