New England Patriots: Jason McCourty a solid veteran presense on defense
New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty is a valuable component of their defensive backfield.
The less-heralded member of the New England Patriots defensive back duo, the McCourty twins, is cornerback, Jason McCourty.
He is undoubtedly a solid veteran component of perhaps the best defensive backfield in the National Football League. Jason usually receives far less acclaim than his outstanding brother, Mr. Patriot, Devin McCourty. Yet, Jason too is a valuable contributor to New England.
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In a very talented group of both veterans, young veterans, first-year men, and rookies, Jason McCourty provides talent at the second or third cornerback position. The left corner is usually occupied by the best cornerback in the NFL, Stephon Gilmore.
Opposite Gilmore are two cornerbacks. McCourty is one and the other is emerging star, or maybe even superstar young corner, J.C. Jackson. Jackson is another of New England’s many undrafted free agent signings who have turned into good players.
That list seems to grow every year as one or even more undrafted players make the team.
Jackson was one of them. He hasn’t disappointed. He’ll be entering his third year in the league and all signs point to continued growth toward stardom. He has 8 interceptions in his first two years in the league. All signs point upward.
Jackson and McCourty combined with Gilmore are a formidable combination. Added to the mix are the underrated and versatile Jonathan Jones, a consistent performer, and second-year player JoeJuan Williams.
That front-line talent and depth at the cornerback position make the cornerback room one of if not the best unit not only on New England’s defense but the entire team. They’re that good.
McCourty while turning 33 this August still has a lot to contribute to the Patriots. He was injured last season and only played 12 games, starting 10. His loss didn’t help New England’s chances as they slipped to 4-4 over the last 8 games after a blistering 8-0 start to the season.
McCourty’s loss thinned out New England’s secondary depth. It is clear that even one play by a veteran playmaker can make all the difference in an important game.
Make no mistake, Jason was missed in those games and in the playoff vs. the Titans. If he had made one play maybe against Miami to ultimately tie up a bye week, there is no telling what might have happened. One needs to look no further than Super Bowl LIII for an example of his impact.
In Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019 (it seems like a lot longer ago than that), McCourty made probably the play-of-the-game against the Rams. He raced across the field like a guided missile to break up a surefire TD pass that very likely saved the game. That’s clutch.
Next. Jarrett Stidham trumps Tom Brady in one area. dark
As we approach the 2020 NFL season, the Patriots seemingly will rely on their defense to help bring home another AFC East title and hopefully more. There is no doubt if healthy, McCourty will be a big part of any success they achieve. Count on it.