McCourty says no added pressure on defense

Patriots safety Devin McCourty readily admits that Tom Brady’s absence will mark a rather dramatic change for the team.

While the four games Brady will sit out at the start of the regular season, his punishment in the aftermath of Deflategate, may mark a transition for the team, McCourty insisted it will not signal a drastic transformation for the defense.

Asked if more would be expected from that side of the ball sans Brady, McCourty acknowledged: “I think from the outside everyone will say that, but for us as a defense, even when you play with the greatest quarterback, we don’t go out there saying, ‘We only have to play OK because Tom is here.’ I think for us as a defense, we want to be a dominating defense no matter what the situation is and no matter who is out there on offense.

We always kind of take the mentality and attitude that we have to go out there and play defense no matter if the offense is scoring touchdowns, if they’re not scoring touchdowns.

Pats pick up a pair: The Patriots made a couple of additions to their team, announcing the signings of tight end Bear Pascoe and offensive lineman Jon Halapio.