Patriots news & rumors: 2 thoughts on Belichick; McCourty to play in 2022
The 2021 NFL season didn’t end the way New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would’ve liked, but it was still overall a successful season for the future Hall-of-Fame coach.
After finishing the 2020 NFL season with a 7-9 record and a roster with glaring holes, Belichick took to free agency and spent some major dough and redeemed himself in the draft by hitting on three players who look like they will be studs at some key areas of need.
Combined, the moves he made in free agency like signing Matt Judon, Nelson Bourne and Hunter Henry combined with his 2021 draft selection, has earned him Pro Football Writers of America’s 2021 Executive of the Year.
Though all the moves he made didn’t work out…at least in 2021, Belichick’s decision got the team back in the discussion, at least until the end of the season. That leads to these two thoughts:
No. 1: New England Patriots still need to revamp on offense
Bill Belichick recognized his team still has some flaws heading into the offseason. That’s why he must continue to build in free agency and the NFL draft. While players like Nelson Agholor and Jonnu Smith could still end up being hits for the Patriots, he must surround Mac Jones with better and more explosive playmakers on the offensive side.
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With many available wide receiver free agents, Belichick must lure at least one of them to New England. If he does that, the offense would be more dynamic with the running game and a passing game that would at least strike fear in opposing defenses.
No. 2: Bill Belichick must change his approach on defense
Although the New England Patriots had one of the top defenses during the regular season, they were exposed big time by mobile quarterbacks and teams that could run the ball.
That is where Belichick needs to make some major decisions on players like Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Devin McCourty and even Lawrence Guy. The Patriots’ defense needs to get faster on all three levels.
This is where the coach can use his evaluation of defensive players in the draft. He may pluck a key player or two in free agency, but using his top picks in the 2022 NFL Draft on the defensive side could have Belichick in the discussion for the 2022 Executive of the Year honors.
New England Patriots rumors: Devin McCourty looking to play in 2022
Speaking of Devin McCourty, one of the bigger storylines to watch this offseason for the New England Patriots is the status of the safety.
After completing his 12th season in the NFL and in a Patriots’ uniform, the veteran defensive back will face the decision on whether to retire or keep playing.
Apparently, it will be the latter for McCourty as the 12-year veteran reportedly plans to return to the NFL for a 13th season. After undergoing a minor procedure on his right thumb, the longtime Patriots leader gave a thumbs up to his return according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.
Devin McCourty had a minor procedure on his right thumb, per source. He's also still planning on playing next season. pic.twitter.com/MdZjSbxsck
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 28, 2022
With an expiring contract, the question will be whether that return will be in a Patriots’ uniform. Given McCourty’s commitment to the team over the years, his return probably hinges on Bill Belichick’s plan for him. Obviously, it will have to be a team friendly deal as McCourty’s leadership has been invaluable for the head coach on and off the field.
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Speaking of on the field, McCourty played in all 17 games in 2021 and proved he can still be a factor in the secondary. Although the 34-year-old safety is leaning towards not retiring, this is still a story worth following in the offseason.
Could Devin McCourty end his career in another uniform? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.