Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Devin McCourty: I'm a better DB than brother Jason

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

It's no secret that New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty is only half the defensive prowess in his family. And it's no secret that he and twin brother Jason are laughably vocal about their familial competitiveness.

So what's Devin's thoughts about his playing abilities when compared to his brother's? Well, we think you know where we're going here.

"It’s so easy. You got one guy who is a two-time All-Pro (2013 second team AP All-Pro and 2010 Sporting News All-Pro) and you got another guy who is just pulling on my pant leg for me to teach him a bunch of things," Devin joked with NESN this week, via The Boston Globe. "So I’m gonna have to go with Devin McCourty on that one. I try to teach him everything that I learn."

Comparing the brothers is more like apples and oranges these days since Devin moved into the safety position last season. Jason was ranked 10th overall among corners in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, while Devin topped the list for safeties. Jason failed to haul in an interception last season but allowed less than 12 yards a catch come his way, while Devin grabbed one pick but allowed a little more than 13 yards.

In 2012, Jason narrowly edged Devin in the cornerback ratings, landing at No. 6 while Devin sat at No. 8.

Devin and Jason's friendly feud carries through both on and off the field, evidenced by their "Tackle Sickle Cell" benefit wager from last year that Jason had to recently make good on. Devin wound up raising more funds than his brother for last year's 5K run/walk, which meant Jason had to dress up like Pat Patriot a week before this year's race and sign autographs in Foxborough. 

Devin narrowly defeated Jason yet again in his fundraising efforts for this year's race, though no mascot antics were involved this time around.

"This year we kept it a little more civil," Devin said via NJ.com earlier this month. "No competition, just an all-for-one cause this year."

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