New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty has been a key piece of a successful Patriots defense this season. However, like any great defensive back, the veteran knows a solid defensive front typically leads to success on the backend.
So it’s no surprise that he’s crediting the Patriots’ pass-rushers for the team’s ability to come away with so many takeaways.
The pressures have yielded strong results with New England recording 16 takeaways so far on the season, which ties them at first with the Philadelphia Eagles.
New England may be in a strong position to record more takeaways on the year. They face a second-year quarterback in Sam Ehlinger, who will be tested by the Patriots defense.
New England is coming off a strong defensive game against the New York Jets last Sunday. They were able to record three interceptions on quarterback Zach Wilson. Not only did it help keep them in the game, but it was ultimately crucial in them getting the victory.
“I don’t know how many interceptions we have without a guy in the quarterback’s face,” McCourty said, per NESN’s Greg Dudek. “I would have to go back and watch all of them. But from what I remember a lot of the interceptions we have it’s been somebody bearing down on the quarterback and getting a hand up or about to hit them. I think that’s led to that. And attacking the football. Guys punching at the ball, guys wrapping up tackling has been one of the keys to those takeaways. It’s something we got to keep doing.”
The Patriots have been able to put together a formidable pass rush led by Matthew Judon and Deatrich Wise. Those two and others will need a big game on Sunday, as New England looks to keep pace in the AFC playoff hunt.
