McCourty said his up and down day is part of being a cornerback.
New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty (32) intercepts a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. The Patriots won 27-24. FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty had another outing that will end up grading poorly on film, though there were at least a few highlights to set off his negative moments.
McCourty recorded his first interception of the season during Saturday's 27-24 win over Miami and had several pass break ups, but he was also beaten badly on a few plays and flagged for costly pass interference penalty.
"That's the life of playing corner. You make a play, and then they come right back and they make a play," McCourty, who had seven interceptions as a rookie last season, said. "Today wasn't the first day I was beat in my career and it won't be the last. You just got to keep playing and make some plays of your own."
His interception came after the Patriots tied the game late in the third quarter at 17 on an underthrown pass from Miami quarterback Matt Moore on a pass intended for receiver Brian Hartline near the end zone.
“It felt pretty good,” McCourty said. “Finally got a chance to get one and reel it in, so it was a big play that helped the team out big time.”
However, many of the issues that have plagued McCourty throughout the year were also on display.
On the first drive of the game, Hartline beat him for a 39-yard reception on third down and Marshall beat him for gains of 47 and 41 yards.
He was also whistled for pass interference on an incompletion in the second quarter on third-and-12 that kept the drive alive and ultimately resulted in a touchdown.
McCourty explained after the game that he misread the situation.
“At first I tried to get to him before, because I thought it was tipped in the air, and then it looked like it was overthrown,” he said. “I put my hands on him, so any time the ball’s in the air and it’s not tipped, and you touch the receiver, it’s going to be pass interference.”