Tag Archives: McCourty

Will Grier, WVU quarterback with Gilette Stadium in the background.

Patriots Latest Moves and Rumors 3/23

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Let’s take a look at the latest some Patriots moves and rumors that were surfacing this week. Belichick and the Patriots have been pretty quiet this offseason. However, a few stories this week could help shape this team for next year and years beyond.

Move: The Stephon Gilmore Contract 

Stephon Gilmore and Tom Brady on the field after the 2018 AFC Championship game.

Thursday, the Patriots reworked Stephon Gilmore’s contract for 2019. 

Gilmore, who was originally scheduled to have a cap hit of $14,837,500, saw $8.5 million dollars worth of his contract get converted into a signing bonus. 

Doing this frees up $5.67 million dollars for the Patriots in cap space. The current cap for the Pats is now $8,332,763. 

This move should not be the only one for the Patriots as more money will need to come their way. The Patriots still have key free agents like Stephen Gostkowski and Chris Hogan, who remain unsigned. 

The Patriots also must compensate for the projected $8,970,997 dollars it will take to sign all their draft picks. 

With their cap as it is, expect the Patriots to move some money around with players like Devin McCourty, Tom Brady, and maybe even Rob Gronkowski, D’onta Hightower, and Lawerence Guy. 

Many expect Gostkowski to be back and Hogan looks more likely to return by the day. The Patriots will need at least 6 million in cap for those two signings alone. 

Expect them to restructure some contracts, resign some players, and trade a couple of draft picks. 

Rumor: Patriots Schedule Meeting With WVU Quarterback Will Grier 

Will Grier playing Texas Tech during his time at West Virginia.

The Patriots lack of attention to the quarterback position in this year’s draft might hint what they have planned for next year’s.

Although, one quarterback prospect who they have scheduled a meeting with is former West Virginia quarterback Will Grier. 

Grier, who was in the Heisman conversation for a brief time last year, seems to be moving up draft boards each day. 

After his very impressive pro day, several teams have called to meet with him. 

In fact his pro day was so impressive that he has potentially moved up into late first-round consideration. 

Grier makes sense as a potential fit in the Patriots system. In addition, some other quarterbacks that scouts think could come to New England are Daniel Jones of Duke, Brett Rypien of Boise State, and Ryan Finley of North Carolina State. 

Rumor: Stephen Gostkowski Resigning Reports

Stephen Gostkowski waiting on bench with the Patriots.

It seems inevitable that the Patriots and veteran kicker Stephen Gostkowski will reach an agreement to reunite. 

Now it appears that after the readjustment of Stephon Gilmore’s contract that the Patriots now have the money to resign their long-tenured kicker. 

Tom Curran reported on Thursday that the Patriots and Gostkowski are making progress and are actively talking about a return. 

Curran also reported that other teams are interested in Gostkowski. Almost any team would kill for a kicker like Stephen. Although, Gostkowksi’s interest in other teams seem very small and he obviously holds the Patriots as his top destination. 

Gostkowski will be entering his fourteenth year in the NFL and will not consider retirement at this time. 

Most expect Gostkowski’s contract number to be in the $3mil to $4mil range. 

Losing a kicker like Gostkowski would obviously be bad news for New England. Replacing his production would certainly not be an easy task.

Prediction: The Patriots Will Be Great Against the Pass

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There are few things more satisfying than watching A-Rod serve hungry Boston fans Wahlburgers because he lost a bet. Watching a hyper-focused and well-oiled Patriots secondary shutting down a passing attack is one of those things.

While the New England Patriots were preparing their game plans for the Houston Texans, I’m sure they approached it as another game. Prepare, watch video, practice, evaluate and repeat over and over again. Don’t leave anything to chance and allow for the unexpected. More unexpected than the entire Boston Globe sports staff choosing the Houston Texans to win? Smack my head.

What We Learned

In the end the end the preparations were over-preparing. A healthy Deshaun Watson came into Foxborough and accounted for almost 350 total yards and two TDs. Coming within an epic Brady comeback drive and a Cooks toe-tapping touchdown of winning the contest. Riding a wave of feel-good emotions would do the sophomore quarterback some good as he returned to the site of battle. Those positives vibes were for naught. He rushed for nearly the same yards but accounted for over 125 less air yards. Watching the game unfold I was stuck with one thought, “This secondary looks damn good!”

What We Know

Let’s look at the differences from the unit that allowed Foles to throw three TDs and 373 yards en route to a Super Bowl MVB (Most Valuable Backup) in February. Starters Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe were still the same. Malcolm Butler of Super Bowls past was in Belichick’s doghouse and played one snap prior to leaving in free agency for Nashville to join the Elvis Patriots. Devin McCourty was the same defensive mainstay that he has been for a number of years. Jason joined the crew in the offseason too.

And here are the important things: Jordan Richards – Gone, Johnson Bademosi – Gone. Both of them gave up key catches that sustained drives when the team needed just one stop. In their place, Jon Jones was becoming a quality slot corner and backup. A bevy of late round draft picks that forced out 2nd round pick Cyrus Jones. An improved pass rush and new defensive play caller, Brian Flores, would help apply pressure that helps the coverage guys immensely.

The Crew

What is the best way to use a group as talented as this? The coaching staff of the Patriots will put them in the best position to succeed. And based upon experience, scheme and physical attributes it may go something like this. Stephon Gilmore is the classic man coverage, shutdown corner. A long and lean six foot one inch and just over 200 pound. Quick, and instinctual he has shown to be worth every penny of his massive free agent contract. Eric Rowe is just as tall as Gilmore but a little heavier and not quite as explosive. He does bring some big slot coverage that is nice for his versatility. JC Jackson is your next big cornerback. He’s a little lighter, but just as exciting and will grow into his role. A good special teamers, he brings a lot for an undrafted free agent.

 

The next tier are the shorter, lighter cornerbacks. Jonathan Jones seems to be the third option at cornerback and is primarily used inside. The Super Bowl drama would have been reduced if Jones did not suffer the season ending injury against Jacksonville. Keion Cross is a rookie this season and was an inactive on Sunday and barring injuries this will probably he his role all season.

The unique thing about the Patriots secondary is the role of the safeties. The McCourty twins are converted corners. When the defense’s backs get pushed against the wall, Devin’s job changes to primarily covering a receiver. Duron Harmon plays a lot of deep and cover 2 safeties. Jason McCourty is still learning his new position and offers some depth for the corners. Patrick Chung is the only true strong safety and does well with covering pass catchers near the line of scrimmage.

Super Bowl Bound

What does all that mean? Bill Belichick can play chess while much of the league is playing checkers. When you want to change your game plan from week to week in order to exploit an opponent’s weakness, you need versatility and layers. This years cornerback crew offers that. Big outside wide receivers, shifty slot guys, and speedsters up the fieldall need a different plan. The defensive backs that are on the team offer a blueprint for success that ends with hoisting a trophy in Atlanta!

 

 

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

Follow me on Twitter @ALykins32

mccourty

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Safeties

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There are many new faces on the Patriots compared to last year. The Pats acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this installment I will talk about the safeties. The Pats have kept their main group of safeties in tact while adding two via free agency.

Devin McCourty #32 (2010-Present):

Devin McCourty is the leader of the Patriots defense. He is now heading into his ninth year in the NFL and for the Patriots. McCourty started his career in New England as a cornerback. In his rookie season he had 73 tackles, 17 PBUs, and 7 INT. The next season saw McCourty start in all 16 games, all the while earning a pro-bowl nod and second team All-Pro honors. McCourty spent his next two seasons at cornerback where he had 159 tackles, 25 PBUs, and 7 INT. He was selected as a second team All-Pro in 2012.

McCourty changed his position to free safety in the 2013 offseason due to the departure of Patrick Chung. He spent his next six seasons at his new position, playing and starting in 77 games. In those games, McCourty had 393 tackles, 35 PBUs, and 6 INT. This span included 2 selections to the second team All-Pro team, and one selection to the Pro-Bowl. He had also performed in the playoffs, and in the 19 games he had played he had 84 tackles and 2 INT.

With McCourty being the leader of the defense over his career, the Pats had a big decision to make. It was either resign Darelle Revis or keep Devin McCourty. They went with McCourty; he signed a five-year 47.5 million dollar contract that offseason. With him being the vocal leader for the Patriots, I don’t see anyway of getting cut.

Duron Harmon #21 (2013-Present):

Duron Harmon is now entering his sixth season in the NFL and for New England. He is a former third-round pick out of Rutgers University and has played in almost every game in his career. Over his five-year career, Harmon has missed one game and played in 79 games. Harmon has racked up a total of 114 tackles, 20 PBUs, and 11 INTs thus far. He also has 13 tackles and 3 INTs in his 13 playoff games. Harmon was a key part in the 2014 Super Bowl team. He helped cap off the comeback against Baltimore with a game-sealing INT.

Harmon got himself into trouble this offseason by getting arrested for trying to smuggle marijauna into Costa Rica. That being said, Harmon has been the ball-hawking safety the Patriots needed all these years. With guys like Chung and McCourty excelling at open-field tackling, Harmon brings something different. He has come up in the clutch so many times and has evolved into a defensive leader alongside McCourty. Harmon is more than likely going to make the roster this upcoming season.

Patrick Chung #23 (2009-2012, 2014-Present):

Patrick Chung is now in his tenth year in the NFL and ninth for New England. Chung was the 34th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. His first four years in the NFL were successful. He played in 50 games, amassing 231 tackles, 19 PBUs, and 7 INT. Chung became a free agent in the 2013 offseason and signed a three-year deal with the Eagles. Chung’s time in Philly was uneventful; he had 63 tackles and 3 PBUs, and later was released by the team. Chung came back to New England after his release and played in 63 games. He had 345 tackles, 28 PBUs, and 3 INT.

https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/929926707561336832

Chung has split time at strong safety, nickel corner, and linebacker in his recent years in New England. He is a very versatile defensive player and superb at open-field tackling. Overall, Chung is a key-piece in the Pats secondary and he has a very good chance of making the team.

Jordan Richards #37 (2015-Present):

Jordan Richards is entering his fourth-year in the NFL and for the Patriots. Richards was the 64th overall pick by New England in the 2015 NFL Draft. Richards’ first two years saw him appear in 25 games, in which he had 20 tackles and 2 PBUs. He found a bigger role last season, playing in all 16 games and piling up 22 tackles and 1 PBU. He started in Super Bowl 52 against Philadelphia due to the Malcolm Butler benching. Richards was awful in this game. He missed numerous tackles and let up big plays.

As a hybrid safety, Richards brings some value to the team. However, he did let up so many plays last year and missed so many tackles. A lot of Pats fans cannot wait to see him gone, but he may have a legitimate chance of making the team yet again.

Eddie Pleasant #26 (2018-Present):

Eddie Pleasant was signed by New England on July 24, 2018 as an unrestricted free agent. Pleasant is entering his seventh season in the NFL and first for New England. Pleasant spent his first six years in the NFL for the Houston Texans, playing in 78 games. During that time, Pleasant had 99 tackles, 17 PBUs, and 3 INT.

Pleasant will head into training camp competing with strong safeties like Chung, Richards, Ebner, and others. It will be tough for him to make the team, especially after getting signed so late into the offseason. The odds are stacked against him.

Damarius Travis #39 (2017-Present):

Damarius Travis is entering his second year in the NFL and for the Pats. Travis was picked up by New England in 2017 as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota. He had a good career for the Gophers, playing in 39 games and notching 189 tackles, 13 PBUs, and 4 INT. He went on to have a successful preseason for the Patriots last year, playing in all four games. Travis had 19 tackles, 1 FF, and 1 FF, which secured him a spot on the practice squad.

https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/903402749877944320

Travis is a sleeper to make the team next year. Travis very well could make the roster, especially with the disappointment Richards has been.

Nate Ebner #43 (2012-Present):

Nate Ebner is entering his seventh year in New England. Ebner was picked up in 2012 by the Pats as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State. He has proven to be one of the best special-teamers in the NFL since then. He has played in 82 games over the course of his career, mostly as a special-teamer. Ebner has lead the team in special teams tackles numerous times in his career. He was recognized as a second team All-Pro behind teammate Matthew Slater in 2016.

Ebner’s ability to be coachable and excel in his role as a special-teamer has caught the eye of Bill Belichick:

“His development has really been outstanding. I would probably put him in the, not the all-time top, but maybe in the top-five percent all time of players that I’ve coached, from where they were in college to how they grew in the NFL. [He] has adapted in a relatively short amount of time to the knowledge of our defense, to the understanding of opponents’ offenses, to instinctiveness and reading and recognition at a position that he plays right in the middle of the field, which is among the most difficult – inside linebacker and safety – where the number of things that can happen is the greatest.”

Ebner missed all of 2017 with a knee injury. But he will most likely make the team next year due to his special teams acumen.

A.J. Moore (Rookie):

A.J. Moore was picked up by New England as an undrafted free agent this offseason. Moore spent his college days at Ole Miss, playing in 39 games in four years. He totaled 132 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5 PBUs.

Moore is at a disadvantage because he is an undrafted rookie. His ability to cover receivers has never been that good, yet he is a solid tackler. With guys like Chung, Richards, Travis, and Pleasant all vying for roster spots, there is virtually no chance he makes the team.

 

The Pats will have a few tough decisions to make with this safety group. Guys like Richards, Ebner, and maybe even Chung could be gone by Week 1.

 

Gilmore

Patriots Training Camp Preview: Cornerbacks

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There are many new faces on this Patriots team compared to last year. The Pats acquired four guys from trade, fifteen from free agency, and nine from the NFL Draft. They also lost nine players from trade and free agency and had three players retire.

In this new series, I will be looking at every player from each position leading up to training camp. For this part of the series, I will take a look at the cornerbacks. The Patriots lost a key-piece to their secondary this past off-season with the departure of Malcolm Butler. New England then went on to add one CB via trade, two by draft, and one as an undrafted FA.

Stephon Gilmore #24 (2017-Present):

Stephon Gilmore is entering his seventh year in the NFL and second for the Pats. Gilmore was the 10th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He played five seasons in Buffalo, recording 225 tackles, 62 PBUs, and 14 interceptions. Gilmore’s final season in Buffalo was his best; he started 15 games and had 5 INT. He was voted as a Pro-Bowler for this season. Gilmore then signed a five-year, 65-million dollar contract with the Pats.

His career in New England started off rocky and he missed three games due to a concussion. Once he came back to the Pats, he played like the elite corner he was in Buffalo. In the 13 games in which Gilmore played, he notched 2 INT and 50 tackles. Gilmore started all three games in the playoffs, amassing 10 tackles and 6 PBUs. He also had the play of the game in the AFC Championship – a crucial pass deflection on fourth-down to seal the victory.

Gilmore’s contract will be debated with Pats fans for his entire tenure with the team. It is a lucrative deal, but it also gives the Patriots a legitimate number one cornerback to anchor the secondary. He showed he can cover the best wide-receivers in the game last year and will almost certainly make the roster next season.

Jason McCourty #30 (2018-Present):

Jason McCourty is in his tenth year in the NFL and first for the Patriots. He was the 203rd overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Tennesse Titans. McCourty played his first eight years in the NFL for Tennesee and played in 108 games over that span. He had 13 INT, 496 tackles, and 2 TD in his career for the Titans. McCourty was released by Tennessee after refusing to take a paycut. He was rumored to have interest in going to New England that offseason, but the Browns gave him a better offer. McCourty started in all 14 games he played and had 65 tackles, 3 INT, and 1 TD. His career in Cleveland was cut short as the Browns looked to revamp their roster with younger talent. McCourty was traded to New England in the 2018 offseason for a sixth round pick.

With McCourty coming in, the Pats have a guy that can replace Butler’s role on the team. As he gets older, McCourty continues to excel at zone defense, and read the QB better than many of his peers. He and his twin brother Devin will look to team up against opposing offenses this upcoming season. McCourty has a highly-likely chance of making the team due to his ability to read the pass.

Eric Rowe #25 (2016-Present):

Eric Rowe is entering his fourth year in the NFL and third for New England. The 2015 47th overall pick in the draft started his career in Philadelphia. After playing all 16 games for the Eagles in 2015, he was traded to the Patriots. Rowe’s career in New England began in 2016 but he only played in 9 games due to injury. He had 26 tackles, 8 PBUs, and 1 INT. Rowe also contributed with 11 tackles and 1 INT in the playoffs. His next season was riddled with injury; he only played in 8 games. In those contests, he had 14 tackles and 2 PBUs.

https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/901237184585494529

Rowe’s play in Super Bowl LII against Philadelphia frustrated a lot of Pats fans. He was getting beat off the ball and let up big plays consistently. Overall, Rowe has the potential to be a good nickel corner, but I would not be shocked if Belichick released him.

Jonathan Jones #31 (2016-Present):

Jonathan Jones is an undrafted free agent out of Auburn University. He is now entering his third year in the NFL, all for New England. Jones has appeared in all 32 regular season games for the Patriots in his two-year tenure with the team. In his first year he had a small role, mostly as a special-teamer, and had 6 tackles, 1 FF, and 1 PBU. His next year was a quiet, breakout year as he started four games and saw increased snaps at corner. He had 36 tackles, 1 sack, 8 PBUs, and a game-winning INT against the Chargers.

https://twitter.com/CaseyBake16/status/924728538477056002

Jones will take a big step this upcoming year as Malcolm Butler is no longer with the team. He is going to have to show that he can continue to get better and become a consistent starter for the team. Jones has a very good chance of making the team.

Duke Dawson (Rookie):

Duke Dawson was the 56th overall pick by New England in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was also the highest picked defender taken by the Pats. Dawson hails from four years with the Florida Gators. In those four years, he played in 32 games and had 81 tackles, 6 INT, 3 TD, and 17 PBUs. His senior season was his best; he had 34 tackles, 4 INT, and 9 PBUs. Dawson was selected as first-team All-SEC.

Dawson could be pushed into a starting role as a rookie very early in the season. His talent is definitely there – it’s just of matter of how soon he can begin covering elite WRs. I can not see the Patriots cutting Dawson. After all, he was their highest defensive player selected.

Ryan Lewis #27 (2017-Present):

Ryan Lewis is entering his second year in the NFL, both for New England. Lewis was an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh before he was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. He did not play a snap last year and was waived by Arizona. New England then snagged him. Lewis’ college career consisted 30 games, 103 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 INT, including one of off Deshaun Watson.

Lewis will have a very tough time trying to make the Patriots 53-man roster. The Pats have a lot of young-depth at the position that have a sizable advantage over Lewis. He could be riding the practice squad for the second year in a row.

Cyrus Jones #41 (2016-Present):

Cyrus Jones is now in his third-year in the NFL and for the Pats. The former 60th overall pick has not lived up to expectations so far. His first year in the league he played 10 games, both at returner and cornerback. As a corner, Jones only had 7 tackles and 0 INT or PBUs. It only got worse for the college-standout when he muffed 5 balls as a returner. He looked to improve in his next season, but a torn ACL sidelined him before he could even get started.

Jones had so much potential coming out of college, but it has yet to pan out in the NFL. Sometimes, teams need to realize that a pick can be a waste and ties have to be cut. I believe Jones will not make the roster due to his inability to keep up with WRs off the ball and his poor returning skills.

Keion Crossen (Rookie):

Keion Crossen was the 243rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent his time in college as a two-sport athlete for the FCS School, Western Carolina. Crossen was a two-year starter for the Catamounts and played in 46 games. He amassed 165 tackles, 3 INT, and 19 PBUs in his career. Crossen also holds the school-record for fastest 100-meter dash, timing in at 10.33 seconds.

Crossen is a dynamic player in the secondary for the Pats. His ability to play man defense on elite, shifty receivers will be something to look for in training camp. Overall, he will still have a tough time making the roster, but he could impress the right people with his return skills.

J.C. Jackson (Rookie):

J.C Jackson is an undrafted rookie out of the University of Maryland. Jackson started his college career in Florida, but a shoulder injury saw him transfer to JUCO. After his time in JUCO, he went to Maryland and played two seasons for the Terps. In those two seasons, Jackson played 24 games and had 80 tackles, 4 INT, and 13 PBUs. Jackson decided to forgo his senior season and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/991452262529753088

Even though undrafted players usually start at a disadvantage, Jackson is off to a strong start for New England. He got a lot of reps across Gilmore during OTAs, which is a good sign for the youngster. If Jackson continues to bring his intensity to training camp like he did in OTAs, I think he has a fair argument for a spot on the roster.

Jomal Wiltz #22 (2017-Present):

Jomal Wiltz is now in his second year in the NFL, both for the Patriots. After spending his first two years in college at JUCO, Wiltz signed with Iowa State. In his two seasons for the Cyclones, Wiltz had 90 tackles, 2 INT, and 17 PBUs. His senior season afforded him an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team.

Wiltz is going to have a very hard time making the roster for the Patriots. The only way Wiltz has a chance is by wowing the coaches with his special teams ability. However, he’s to be considered a long-shot at best.

Final Takeaway

Overall, the Patriots have a lot of depth at cornerback this year. Watch closely to this group of guys as there seems to be some interesting battles brewing.

Top 5 Tuesday: Players to Watch in Training Camp (@devansh0429)

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It’s almost that time again. Training Camp is a time for players to prove themselves to have that shot at a roster spot. As it looms around the corner, let’s take a look at five players to keep an eye out for in this week’s entry of Top 5 Tuesday.

5. Jason McCourty

Finally, the McCourty brothers are reunited at last. Patriot Nation was ecstatic to see the trade made for the veteran corner. But questions do linger in all of our minds… Why did McCourty barely get any reps in minicamp? Can the twin really replace Malcolm Butler?

4. Braxton Berrios

I’m sure everyone’s summer was going great until they heard this dreaded news: Patriots’ Julian Edelman was suspended four games for use of PED’s. So, now it’s time for New England to invoke one of their oldest mottos: next man up. Now, there are a variety of options, but I would love to see the kid from Miami work his way into that slot role.

3. Derek Rivers

The Patriots’ pass rush was absolutely atrocious in the Super Bowl. Rivers was our first pick last year, but unfortunately went down with ACL tear for the year. Now, it’s time to see if he is the real deal and help our defense make a leap from its poor performance in the Superbowl.

2. JC Jackson

Jackson was the talk of minicamp and even sparked yours truly to look into him further. He is a strong candidate to be one of the undrafted players that finds a way to make the team.

1. Sony Michel

Michel looks like he can do it all. He is an electrifying back with incredible agility, and it will be very fun to watch him in the preseason. Is he enough to fill the void left by Lewis? Remember to look for his name come training camp and preseason.

 

Don’t agree with our list? Have another player you would like to see in training camp? Let us know in the comment section below.

Follow me on Twitter @devansh0429