The Patriots traveled down to South Florida early this week ahead of Sunday’s season-opener in Miami, but not everyone believes it was a good idea.
Perhaps most notably -- or at least loudest -- former Ravens and Jets linebacker Bart Scott ripped Bill Belichick’s plan and called it a “desperation move” on ESPN’s “First Take.”
Unsurprisingly, Patriots safety and captain Devin McCourty doesn’t see it that way. Making his weekly appearance on The Greg Hill Show on Friday, McCourty explained why he thinks the change in routine might be doing the team some good.
“We did this one other time where I think we came a day later than we did this time. I think we’ve played down here, call it the last two or three times, we haven’t won,” McCourty said. “So, I think switching it up, giving us an opportunity to try and get used to the heat. … I think being down here has gotten guys acclimated to the heat.
“I think for all of us, the plan is to go out there and play well and try to get a win. So, I think all of this comes from that. But desperation? I don’t see it like that. But I’m playing on the team, so I don’t think I would. But I think it’s been good for us. I think guys have been out there practicing and felt good practicing in the heat. So, hopefully it pays off for us.”
We’ll find out if it does Sunday afternoon, with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
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