FOXBOROUGH — It’s not as though this is entirely new territory for Devin McCourty. He played safety at Saint Joseph’s High School in New Jersey, then during his first two seasons at Rutgers.

But his primary position in 2½ seasons with the Patriots has been cornerback. It’s where he starred as a rookie, earning a Pro Bowl selection. It’s where he has picked off 11 passes, his career total. It’s where he started his first 40 games with the team, playoffs included.