Luke Kuechly explains why Devin McCourty is so valuable to Patriots defense

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Devin McCourty has been among the NFL's most underrated players for years, so it was nice to see the New England Patriots safety receive some much-deserved recognition as part of NFL Network's "Top 100" list (voted on by the players) airing this week.

McCourty came in at No. 89 on the list, one spot ahead of Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and two spots behind Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. One of Newton's teammates, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, explained in McCourty's video how the Patriots safety has such a profound impact on the team's success.

"I think if you talk to people in the Patriots, there are certain guys that get a ton of recognition," Kuechly said. "Then there are certain guys that get recognition who just do things the right way. Obviously, he's a talented player and always has been. I think what separates him from everyone else  is his ability to get people in position they need to be to successful."

“When you look at teams that consistently win, there’s always pillars on each side of the ball. If you got a guy in the secondary like McCourty that can speak to people from the back end, that can get guys lined up, that can put everything together. He knows their defense in and out. He can relay information to everyone else. You just see how easy stuff for them on defense is. Everyone is lined up where they need to be, they don’t blow coverages. A lot of that has to do not only with coaching, but a guy like Devin back there.”

McCourty was selected by the Patriots with the No. 27 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In nine seasons with New England, the talented defensive back has been named to three All-Pro second teams and two Pro Bowls. He's also won three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, including an excellent performance in their win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII back in February.

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