Count Jason and Devin McCourty as two players who are extremely impressed by how the New England organization has handled coronavirus protocol, thereby increasing their comfort level about participating in the upcoming 2020 season.
Per Michael Girardi of the NFL Network, Jason said that neither he nor his brother considered opting out ahead of the deadline. Their decision to participate figures to bolster a Patriots defense that many prognosticators believe to be the top unit in the sport.
Jason, who is entering his third year in New England, figures to hold down the cornerback spot opposite reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore. Devin will patrol the free safety slot as the ironman of the group, having appeared in 155 games (all starts) over the past decade with the organization.
With the coronavirus pandemic serving as a roadblock to participating in the 2020 season for many players, the decision to opt out was forced to be well in advance of Week 1. While there are concerns from outside medical experts about the viability of stemming the spread while continuing to play a sport that is bred upon close contact, the NFL appears dead set on going through with its plans of playing, even as franchises choose not to have fans in attendance.
For New England, that means experiencing a new phenomenon: playing without Tom Brady. But Cam Newton has arrived as the new signal caller and faces such as the McCourty's breed familiarity for the defensive unit. Their season is set to open Sept. 13 when they host the Miami Dolphins.
Follow Us
Subscribe