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FOXBORO, Mass. — The secondary has been the most glaring problem on an otherwise impressive Patriots team this season. But Devin McCourty‘s transition to safety over the past few games has helped stabilized things.
McCourty, a natural cornerback, moved over on the defense to help stabilize the safety position while Steve Gregory and Patrick Chung were sidelined with injuries. Now, given the addition of Aqib Talib and even with the potential return of both Gregory and Chung, McCourty is looking more and more likely to stay at the deep safety spot.
The transition to another position in the secondary has been an unusual one for McCourty. But while he isn’t complaining one bit about the change, McCourty has admitted to noticing differences.
“It’s cool [but] it’s different,” McCourty said. “You get used to seeing more of the field and I think you have more of a responsibility, since you have that viewpoint, to let everyone else know.”
The almost captain-like responsibility is definitely an added element McCourty didn’t find at the cornerback position. While there’s been an adjustment period with some of his new duties, McCourty understands the responsibilities of the cornerbacks and he’s assumed the new role with open arms.
“I know when you’re playing corner, it’s not easy to see the different things that you see on film when you’re on just that side of the field,” McCourty added. “So, I try to just communicate and let guys know if I see anything from film study that might happen.”
As for which position he’d rather play, cornerback or safety? McCourty wisely remained mum and deferred to his coaches for that direction.
“Whatever they tell me to play,” McCourty said with a laugh.
See more of what McCourty thinks about the position change in the video above.
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