Help the competition, Jason?
With job in question, vet assists young CBs
FOXBORO — Jason McCourty appears to be on the bubble for making the 53-man roster. And yet, he has no problem helping the promising group of young Patriots cornerbacks currently fighting to take his job.
After yesterday’s practice, McCourty said he enjoys working with rookies J.C. Jackson and Keion Crossen, who have showed promise and could steal spots on the roster. He’s also been mentoring second-round pick Duke Dawson, who is more of a lock to have a job.
McCourty indicated he’s constantly talking to Jackson, helping him with coverages. Ditto Crossen. And yet, he’s competing with these two to stick with the Patriots.
So why help them? Isn’t it competitive?
Basically, McCourty, who turns 31 today, is paying it forward. When he was a rookie with the Titans, Cortland Finnegan, Chris Hope and Rod Hood helped him out.
“Without the older guys I had in Tennessee, I don’t think I’d be where I am in my career today,” McCourty said. “I had older guys take me in under their wing, make me come get in the cold tub with them, make me stay after and watch film with them, of just continuing to try to push me, and talk to me all throughout practices and games, trying to get my technique right, my knowledge and all of that. I feel it’s only right the way I repay those guys and continue no matter what team I’m on, what situation, but to continue to pass that down.”
McCourty is by far the most experienced player in the Patriots’ cornerbacks room. Eight of the team’s other nine cornerbacks are 25 years old or younger, which creates an interesting dynamic for McCourty.
“Oh man, the energy is fun,” McCourty noted. “As you get older in the league, being around younger guys who come in hungry and just flying around every day energizes the whole group. It gets you going. It gets you ready to practice.”
Bentley impresses
Following a strong debut against the Redskins, Patriots rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley received an expanded role in yesterday’s practice.
Bentley teamed with Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy in the team’s base 4-3 defense during certain 11-on-11 periods. Previously, that position belonged solely to Elandon Roberts.
This could be a position battle to monitor. Bentley’s preseason debut included six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit. He nearly registered a forced fumble when he stripped the ball away from Redskins running back Samaje Perine, but the play was blown dead and was not able to be reviewed.
Bentley also assumed defensive play-calling duties in the game.
“Ja’Whaun’s a smart kid, so the mental (aspect) has never been an issue with him,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said following New England’s 26-17 win over Washington.
Asked about the traits of a successful defensive signal-caller, Bentley said, “Building that trust constantly day by day … having a great demeanor, allowing (teammates) to believe in what you say, and them knowing that you have the confidence to get it done day in and day out.”
For the Wynn
Bentley was the best rookie on the field for the Patriots in the preseason opener.
But the team’s top two picks, Isaiah Wynn and Sony Michel, weren’t on the field at all.
Michel is dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of six straight practices. His absence on Thursday night was expected. Wynn’s DNP was a bit more puzzling.
For the first time, Wynn saw reps at right tackle opposite Trent Brown. He rotated with LaAdrian Waddle throughout the practice.
It’s a notable development, as Wynn could become the top backup at both tackle spots.
Jones back at it
Cornerback Jonathan Jones saw reps at nickel cornerback alongside Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe. Jones, who was on the PUP list at the beginning of training camp, is competing with Dawson and third-year pro Cyrus Jones for slot duties.
The Pats continue to exhibit patience with wide receiver Kenny Britt, who has not fully participated in practice since suffering a hamstring injury during mini-camp. Britt took part in some positional drills yesterday before leaving for the lower field. His workload seems to be slightly increasing each day.
Michel, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, running back Rex Burkhead and linebacker Harvey Langi were absent.