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I’ve been on the McCourty train for years saying how underrated he is and scratching my head at how he gets snubbed whenever accolades are given out, not to mention the lack of respect he gets on this forum (his contract considered). That’s not to take anything away from guys like Thomas or Weddle. One thing I’ve always thought though is that Thomas gets more INTs because he plays (or played, past tense) in a more aggressive scheme with a star studded secondary and lockdown corner in Sherman. It seems that McCourty, playing with similar circumstances this year, is proving that INTs for safeties are much more the result of QB pressure and options. That and obviously some luck.
Anyway, the one thing that many forum members have bemoaned over the years is McCourty’s lack of “playmaking” - I guess meaning turnovers, game changing plays, etc. In truth, his stats are very similar to Thomas, who is the consensus best FS of the 2010s. In addition to this, McCourty has been one of the very best at “not showing up on highlight reels” due to his prevention of over the top completions.
Comparing Thomas’s stats here since both were drafted in 2010, though Weddle is similar on a per year basis too. Stats don’t tell the whole story, but I think this suggests his ability to make big plays ranks up there with other elite safeties. I hope the All-Decade team voters take note of a player whose elite contributions - and durability - make him among the very best at his position.
Devin McCourty
142 games played
24 INTs (1 TD)
83 pass deflections
722 tackles
Earl Thomas
128 games played
29 INTs (2 TDs)
70 pass deflections
671 tackles
Anyway, the one thing that many forum members have bemoaned over the years is McCourty’s lack of “playmaking” - I guess meaning turnovers, game changing plays, etc. In truth, his stats are very similar to Thomas, who is the consensus best FS of the 2010s. In addition to this, McCourty has been one of the very best at “not showing up on highlight reels” due to his prevention of over the top completions.
Comparing Thomas’s stats here since both were drafted in 2010, though Weddle is similar on a per year basis too. Stats don’t tell the whole story, but I think this suggests his ability to make big plays ranks up there with other elite safeties. I hope the All-Decade team voters take note of a player whose elite contributions - and durability - make him among the very best at his position.
Devin McCourty
142 games played
24 INTs (1 TD)
83 pass deflections
722 tackles
Earl Thomas
128 games played
29 INTs (2 TDs)
70 pass deflections
671 tackles
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