Devin McCourty defined why he thinks the 2023 Patriots will ‘be higher than individuals assume’

Patriots

McCourty additionally relayed optimistic evaluations he is heard from New England about rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Whereas the percentages are towards Invoice Belichick and the Patriots successful the AFC East within the 2023 season, lately retired security Devin McCourty isn’t fairly able to depend out his outdated coach (and workforce).

McCourty, 35, known as time on his 13-season profession in March. As he assesses New England now that he’s gone from the workforce’s roster, the three-time Tremendous Bowl champion reminded viewers that Belichick and the Patriots “love being the underdogs” throughout a Thursday morning look on NFL Community’s “Good Morning Soccer.”

“I believe this workforce thrives and all people thrives in that,” McCourty stated, as transcribed by Mark Daniels of MassLive. “When [Belichick] can create the ‘Everyone vs. New England’ mentality within the locker room, that’s if you normally see this workforce play their greatest ball.”

Although the season continues to be months away, early predictions foresee powerful occasions for the Patriots, given the standard (and offseason additions) made by New England’s division opponents.

McCourty, in distinction, has confidence that his former teammates will overachieve.

“I believe this workforce goes to be higher than individuals assume,” McCourty argued. “Invoice is targeted this 12 months. He’s locked in. We’re speaking about legacy now. He’s second all-time in wins. He’s not going to speak about it, however why would you not wish to be first? You’re proper there. I believe he desires to proceed to show to individuals, ‘I’m coach Belichick. I’m the Invoice Belichick. We’ll present you what we’re manufactured from.’”

For the workforce to have success, McCourty is aware of that the protection should play nicely. Even though he’s now not within the locker room (or within the secondary), he talked about a high-profile addition within the offseason: First-round draft choose Christian Gonzalez, a highly-touted cornerback from the College of Oregon.

Whereas he tried to downplay the thought of hyping rookies “over guys who’ve had success within the NFL,” McCourty — who was as soon as a first-round choose himself — couldn’t disguise his pleasure.

“I’ve talked to a few of these guys they usually’re like, ‘Man, Gonzalez, he can play,’” McCourty stated of the evaluations he’s heard from New England.

“[Players] have been like, ‘Man, we’ll see the way it performs out after we go and play actual soccer, however shorts and a t-shirt with a helmet on, the man seems to be nice,’” McCourty added. “They love watching him play, love seeing him develop. I believe they’re enthusiastic about that.”

The Patriots conclude OTAs on Friday, and start obligatory mini-camp on June 12.