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Patriots Gridiron News: Jason McCourty finally gets to taste playoff flavor

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 02: Jason McCourty #30 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 02: Jason McCourty #30 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots veteran cornerback Jason McCourty is going to the playoffs for the first time in his career and it tastes so good.

The hunger to win is the fuel that motivates NFL players.  Yes, the big contracts can make any player content, but for New England Patriots veteran cornerback Jason McCourty, the taste of winning and making the playoffs is a very appetizing reward considering his pro football journey.

For 10 seasons, McCourty has been stuck in a buffet of mediocracy, playing most of his career with the Tennessee Titans and then for the 0-16 Cleveland Browns, Jason McCourty has experienced the complete opposite of his twin brother Devin McCourty.

While one brother doesn’t know what playoff football all is about, the other brother doesn’t know it feels not to make the postseason.  In fact, Jason has watched his brother Devin go to multiple AFC championship games and win two Super Bowls in three appearances.

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Life is unfair sometimes, but in 2018, the two brothers have the opportunity to experience the same success together.  Devin has been there a thousand times, but this time it is different because Jason is finally getting his taste and he is very excited.

"“It took me 10 years to be in a position to say, ‘You won your division.  You put a hat and T-shirt on,” Jason McCourty said following the team’s 24-12 victory over the Buffalo Bills to clinch the AFC East.  “It’s even better to do it alongside my brother [Devin] and the guys in this locker room.  So I’m excited about what we were able to accomplish.”"

In an uncharacteristic season for the New England Patriots, the veteran leadership of Jason McCourty has been one of the good stories coming out of Foxborough.  There have been times he has struggled, but he has made an impact in other ways, just ask Bill Belichick.

"“Jason, I think, has given this team a lot of leadership and energy in a way that’s kind of unique because he hasn’t been here, and he hasn’t had the success that some others of us have been fortunate to be a part of,” Belichick said during his conference call on Monday.  “And maybe in a way, he has more appreciation for it.”"

After 10 years in the league and not getting a taste of the same success the Patriots have grown use to, Jason McCourty is a reminder that there is nothing given in the NFL.  In an “Any Given Sunday” league, a team can fall as quickly as it rises.  It only takes one injury or once lucky play (see Miami Miracle) to change the direction of a team, even the mighty New England Patriots.

With an interception in Sunday’s victory over the Bills, it was so fitting for a player like Jason McCourty to help clinch a playoff berth for his team and for himself.

Next. New England Patriots: The 10 greatest defensive players of all-time. dark

A 10-year-journey finally has a new destination in sight.

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