Musket Fire
FanSided

3 defensive MVPs for the Patriots after first quarter of season

By Patrick Morgan

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: T.J. Yeldon #22 of the Buffalo Bills looks to make a tackle after Jamie Collins #58 of the New England Patriots makes an interception during the fourth quarter at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Patriots beat the Bills 16 to 10. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: T.J. Yeldon #22 of the Buffalo Bills looks to make a tackle after Jamie Collins #58 of the New England Patriots makes an interception during the fourth quarter at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Patriots beat the Bills 16 to 10. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots runs the ball after intercepting it in the third quarter in against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots runs the ball after intercepting it in the third quarter in against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

2. Devin McCourty

Now in his 10th season in the NFL, safety Devin McCourty has had a blistering start to the year. He has four interceptions through four games of action – one pick in each – and as a result, leads the entire league in that category.

Moreover, McCourty now already has the third-most interceptions he’s ever had in a single season, and he has the most interceptions in a season since he made the full-time switch from cornerback to free safety back in 2012. With one more pick, he’ll tie his total from that 2012 season; with three more picks, he’ll tie the career high he set for himself as a rookie… all the way back in 2010, when he was still a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-round pick out of Rutgers.

Somewhat amazingly, McCourty actually publicly mulled retiring after last season during Super Bowl Opening Night media sessions. While his twin Jason – who himself is having quite a fine season in his second year with the Pats – laughed off his brother’s remarks and called him a “drama queen,” it’s still remarkable to consider what No. 32 is doing this year as a 32-year-old who wasn’t sold on coming back for Year 10.

Obviously the gaudy interception total and streak is what’s going to nab all the headlines, but even when McCourty hasn’t ended up with the ball in his hands, he’s been excellent in pass coverage playing center-fielder for the Pats. As an official selection for ProFootballFocus’ First-Quarter NFL All-Pro team, McCourty reportedly ranks second in the NFL in overall grade among safeties (behind the Bills’ Micah Hyde) and is tied for first in coverage grade with the Jets’ Jamal Adams.

Even if the interceptions don’t continue to pile up as the season drags on, McCourty should receive heavy consideration to make his first Pro Bowl since 2016. He’s only received an invite twice before (2010 and 2016), but this could be the year that changes… not that he’d ever end up playing in the actual game anyway.

Home/Patriots News