New England Patriots assistant coach Jerod Mayo indicated the organization is still looking for an on-field leader and defensive signal caller. Right now, the position is up for grabs following the retirement of Devin McCourty.
McCourty had been with the New England organization since the 2010 season. Replacing the safety’s leadership will not be easy, and someone will have to step up. McCourty undoubtedly helped the Patriots in a big way with the defensive unit, which ranked fifth overall in the NFL. Now, the organization will look to carry over that consistency for 2023.
It all starts with the team finding that go-to guy, as reported by the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan.
Jerod Mayo on replacing Devin McCourty as the on-field leader and defensive signal caller: “I don’t think we’re set in any particular way. … We just have to see who really wants to take that role when we take the field.” pic.twitter.com/3PQRzOd9ew
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) April 18, 2023
Much of the personnel remains unchanged, and that should help New England remain one of the top defensive units in the NFL, regardless of who is calling the plays.