Due to suspensions, football fans are not expecting to see Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and RB LeGarrette Blount in the 2015 season opener on Thursday, September 10. That strips away a lot of "wow" factor from a very important event.
But Patriots safety Devin McCourty still believes there is more than enough star power for the crowd at Gilette Stadium to have a good time. Specifically, he told ESPN that fans should look forward to seeing the best wide receiver in the NFL in Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown.
"I think this is one of the hardest positions to evaluate," McCourty said. "Because first of all, you look at the receiver position and the first thing you want to do is put these freak athletes like Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant [at the top]. But I started my list with Antonio Brown. We talk about all these guys that are big and talented and fast - they can do everything. But this little guy led all receivers last year. He did everything while still punt returning. You can look at everything that a guy brings to the table, but don't disregard production and I thought he was the No. 1 productive receiver last year so I put him there."
Brown led the league in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,698) last season and tied for second with 13 touchdown catches. He was also a solid punt returner, running one back for a 71-yard touchdown and averaging almost 11 yards per return.
The Patriots lost both starting cornerbacks in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to free agency this offseason which means McCourty will have to play a big role in leading this revamped secondary against Brown in the opener.
