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Ranking The Top 10 Players On The New England Patriots

By Cyrus Geller

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty (32) shakes hands with members of the armed forces following a win over the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty (32) shakes hands with members of the armed forces following a win over the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

6. S Devin McCourty

If Devin McCourty isn’t the most underrated player in the NFL, then he is damn close. Aside from Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins, there isn’t a single player on New England’s defense that means more to the team than D-Mac, and he was the biggest reason why the secondary held strong in 2015 after losing its top three corners from the previous season.

Earl Thomas is a great free safety, but I think McCourty is better. D-Mac has just as good of range and balls kills as Thomas does, but he is a much smarter defensive back when it comes to recognizing what the offense is doing, and he is more versatile. McCourty’s ability to drop down into the slot and play cornerback is huge for this defense, because there isn’t a drop-off in cover ability from Bill Belichick’s corners to his top safety.

If it weren’t for McCourty holding the secondary together from his centerfield position, quarterbacks would go for 300+ yards every time they faced New England.

Next: Numbers 4 and 5

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