New England Patriots: What to Look for During Camp

New England Patriots: What to Look for During Camp by David Smith

Yesterday Pats’ safety Devin McCourty spoke on ‘NESN Live’, and answered a couple really interesting questions regarding Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, and coach Bill Belichick. (All quotes from Doug Kyed of NESN)

On who is the tougher cover for him:

“Julian Edelman,” McCourty answered on Monday’s show debut. “We don’t ever root for any Broncos around here.”

On who is the better dresser between Edelman, and Tom Brady:

“You gotta go with the teacher, because he started it,” McCourty said. “Tom started it and Julian followed. I’ll give Julian one, he thinks he’s like an actor. He thinks he’s a pretty famous actor.”

On who is the tougher coach, Bill Belichick, or Greg Schiano:

“Ooh, Greg Schiano,” McCourty said. “Toughest coach I’ve ever played for. “He’s more of a yeller and a screamer. He’ll get right in your face. Bill’s more sarcastic. Both can be pretty brutal, but I’m gonna go with Coach Schiano.”

On the Edelman versus Welker note, I think Welker is still the better player, but I definitely think there could be a legitimate argument made for Edelman. He is quicker than Welker, and much better after the catch. However Welker is such a smart player, and excellent route runner, that I think he still has the slight edge over Edelman.

I did find McCourty’s comment on Belichick and Schiano very curious. Belichick is known to be an extremely strict coach, so to hear that Schiano is even tougher is interesting. I am not doubting Belichick’s toughness, because we all know he doesn’t play around, but this speaks volumes to Schiano’s coaching style. Perhaps he was a bit too rough on his players, which led to him losing his job in Tampa.

Obviously I am just speculating here, but it certainly is plausible.