Few players are enjoying a change of scenery more than New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty.
McCourty was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Patriots in March, joining his twin brother, Devin, on the AFC juggernaut.
Although Devin has enjoyed two Super Bowl victories and two Pro Bowl selections, his brother hasn't come close to that level of success. Nonetheless, Devin believes Jason adds a much-needed vantage point to the Patriots' locker room.
"He brings leadership that I think we don't have on this team; he knows how to deal with adversity," Devin McCourty said Tuesday to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
"Sometimes we get in a routine - we've won a lot of football games - and it's always good to hear a different perspective of what it takes so you're not kind of getting worn down or thinking this is too much. You get a perspective from him going 0-16. He always tells me, 'Last year, worst year ever.' I think hearing that motivates you and lets you know you're doing the right things that push you."
Jason signed with the Browns in May 2017, and though he had a decent individual season, the club crumpled to an 0-16 mark, leaving him helpless.
"When you don't make it to the playoffs and you're watching those games, I think there's envy in every game you watch," Jason said. "As you're watching other teams, whether it's Dev as my twin brother or maybe a team you beat throughout the season or a team you came close (to beating) ... There's definitely professional envy because you want to be there. That's what you train all offseason for."
New England searches for every competitive advantage it can unveil and adding a talented defensive back with family ties could help spur another run to the Super Bowl.
