New England Patriots: Why Devin McCourty is the new Mr. Patriot

Call New England Patriots safety, Devin McCourty, Mr. Patriot. He’s an all-time New England great.

In a recent article about the New England Patriots defense recently, I mentioned Devin McCourty as the new leader on defense.

McCourty was drafted in the first round from Rutgers in the 2010 draft by New England to play cornerback. He has been a centerpiece of New England’s secondary ever since he entered the league 10 years ago.

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McCourty was a Pro Bowl cornerback in his rookie season for New England. He was terrific.

But by year 5, he had been totally converted to safety, and it suited him.

During his time with New England, he has been a Pro Bowler three times and a second-team All-Pro three times, as well. Nice accolades.

McCourty has started every game he has played in. A pretty good indication of his playing ability.

McCourty has also been a captain on the defense since 2011. That would be 9 consecutive seasons. I’d say that speaks to Dev’s leadership abilities.

With the departure of Tom Brady, the landscape in New England has changed for the first time in nearly two decades. Brady was the leader of the team. His spirit, his drive, and his determination led New England to championship after championship, but that leader is gone.

Matthew Slater thinks that Devin is the unquestioned leader.

"“I think we’re a very competitive group. We have tremendous leadership — you’re looking at the unquestioned leader of our football team in Devin. Our vision is the same, the way we’re going to approach our preparation is the same."

Consider the source of that comment. “Slate” as he is affectionately called, is a 12-year New England Patriots veteran. Slater is an 8-time Pro Bowler; a 2-time All-Pro; and, a 3-time Super Bowl winner.

Sounds like a lock Patriots Hall of Famer to me. And, by-the-way, in my humble opinion, he is also a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Unless some silliness about special teams is part of the equation. If so, they should lose that right away.

So, that’s how this great Patriots and NFL all-time player regards his teammate, Dev. It is poignant to hear another almost revered Patriots captain and leader (and coin-tosser par excellence) note that Dev is the “unquestioned leader of our football team”.

So, that’s the spirit that all New England Patriots fans, I am sure, want to hear from their leaders, now. The heart of the team has been sent out by short-sightedness and whatever other motives. But the team and its leaders, led by McCourty, move on.

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It’s great to hear and to see this spirit and this determination from the New England team leaders. I, for one, feel that it bodes well for the team’s future.

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