No one has consistently led the New England Patriots’ defense in recent years like Devin McCourty has.
Since 2010, he has been the team’s highest-graded defender five times, according to Pro Football Focus. The only player to be named more than once on this list was Stephon Gilmore — who has taken the reign in the past two seasons.
McCourty came to New England as a rookie cornerback and dominated from the moment he stepped on the field. He recorded seven interceptions in his rookie season along with 17 passes deflected and two forced fumbles. He played one more season as a cornerback before he converted to the Patriots’ starting safety role.
He’s only missed five regular-season games in nine seasons with the team, and he’s one of the very few players that has been with New England for the past nine years. Defensive end Andre Carter took the helm in 2011, but McCourty regained his spot as the highest-graded defender in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2016. Gilmore has had two incredible seasons and has taken the spot the past two years — deservingly so.
McCourty has started all 139 games that he’s appeared in — while tallying up 21 interceptions, 79 passes deflected and nine forced fumbles. He’s been a staple in this defense and an instrumental part of the last three Super Bowl championships that New England has taken home.
The Patriots are fortunate to have McCourty in the 2019 season, and he will continue to be the glue for this defense.
