McCourty gets final shot at roster spot
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With roster cuts looming, all eyes were on Jason McCourty.
The 31-year-old veteran found himself in an unfamiliar spot last night at MetLife Stadium. McCourty was on the field surrounded by a bunch of end-of-the-roster veterans and undrafted rookies in the Patriots’ 17-12 victory in the final preseason game against the Giants.
And for the second straight outing, McCourty played free safety. He was pulled from the lineup before the first quarter ended, but re-entered in the third.
McCourty isn’t viewed as a lock for the roster, particularly if the Patriots believe he’s best suited to play safety. It’s a deep position. McCourty would be down on the depth chart behind starters twin brother Devin and Patrick Chung as well as Duron Harmon.
“Nothing will be different for me this year than it’s been in prior years,” McCourty said. “I really don’t concern myself with what goes on, especially this being year 10. I’ve probably exceeded every expectation I had for myself, going into my rookie year of what my NFL career would be. So whatever happens here, happens. You put it in God’s hands. You play your best. However it goes down, it goes down.”
A former standout with the Titans, McCourty could be insurance for starting cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe. The Patriots do not have any proven backups at that position.
They do, however, have a pair of talented young players vying for spots. Rookie seventh-round pick Keion Crossen finished strong this preseason, flashing elite speed and athleticism. His technical skills need to be refined, but there’s no denying his natural ability.
Undrafted rookie J.C. Jackson capped an impressive preseason with a monster game last night. Jackson, whose ball skills stood out all summer, picked off two deep passes from New York quarterback Kyle Lauletta. On the second, he flipped his hips and ran stride for stride down the sideline with Giants wideout Roger Lewis Jr. As the ball arrived, Jackson reached up with his left hand, popped it up, and used his right hand to secure the interception.
In addition to his two picks, Jackson registered a pass-breakup on another Lauletta deep ball.
But late in the third quarter, he was injured on a punt. He limped off the field and was carted into the locker room.
Danny Etling played the entire game at quarterback, completing 18-of-32 for 157 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He sealed the win with an 86yard touchdown run on a keeper with 3:58 to go.
Gillislee shows up
If a player is healthy and doesn’t appear in the preseason finale, that’s usually a sign that his spot on the 53-man roster is secure.
Who fit that description last night in the Meadowlands? A long list of players on both sides of the ball.
The usual suspects —
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, the starting offensive line — and a few bubble players. Among them: Running back Mike Gillislee and wide receiver
Riley McCarron.
Both players appear to be on the outside looking in, but injuries at their respective positions may have opened spots.
If Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead are not ready for Week 1, the Patriots will likely count on Jeremy Hill and Gillislee to deliver production between the tackles. James White’s role may be expanded, but the Pats probably can’t rely on him to carry the ball 10-15 times per game.
It was a tad surprising to see defensive linemen Adam Butler and Derek Rivers receive extended playing time. Both figure to make the team.
Injury update
Offensive lineman Ulrick John left for the locker room midway through the second quarter. He was evaluated for a foot injury and did not return.
Linebacker Marquis Flowers briefly exited in the third quarter and appeared to be evaluated for a concussion. He re-entered the game after missing a few snaps . . . .
Michel and Burkhead highlighted a group of players not in uniform for the preseason finale.
Wide receiver Matthew Slater, safety Nate Ebner, linebacker Christian Sam, tight end Jacob Hollister, linebacker Harvey Langi, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, offensive lineman
Luke Bowanko, tight end
Ryan Izzo and defensive end Trey Flowers did not suit up.
Flowers didn’t play in the preseason. Hollister missed the final two games.