WK14: New England @ Chicago

[Taber]

The one thing that worries me from this game is that Devin McCourty left the game in the second quarter. He has been absolutely FANTASTIC this year. He has been superb in the passing game, but has also played the run extremely well.

I am hoping that they decided to hold him out as a precaution just because we were winning by so much. We will see though, if he misses any time it will hurt.

 

I was really glad to see Butler/Arrington step up though with him out, they were pretty solid.

[The Great iBoldin]

It's rare you see such a player grasp NFL coverage schemes and play at both a high physical and mental level that McCourty has been playing at, he's easily been a top five corner this season. He jams so well at the line and rarely is beat. He understands routes, it's clear he studies tape, I mean this kid is an absolute fantastic football player. His support in the run game, as ECN alluded to, is unreal for a rookie too. You see guys shying away (I'm looking at you, Mike Jenkins) from contact in the run game, but McCourty not only gets his nose dirty, he finishes his tackle and plays well to do so in open space.

 

This guy will be a top-five cornerback overall by the end of next year if he keeps playing at the level he's playing at. He's absolutely fantastic.

[Taber]

McCourty has been amazing and I think the great thing is he has been improving not only every week but even mid game. I have seen him get a penalty(earlier in the year) and go to the sideline talking about what he did wrong and later in the game you see them throw to his side and he doesn't make the same mistake again. Kid is going to be amazing, I remember everyone upset we drafted a "special teams" player with our top pick, it sure does look like he will be a special player.