Patriots Coordinator Used Unconventional Method To Prep For New Role

Some like to use their backyard during the summer for grilling or playing lawn games.

New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington found a different way to utilize his outdoor space in recent months.

The 35-year-old turned his backyard into a practice place to help prepare him for his new role as he will call defensive plays for the first time when the Patriots take the field Sunday for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

"That was part of my summer," Covington told reporters, per MassLive's Chris Mason. "I called games all throughout the summer. Sat there in my backyard, put on a live game, and called the game (too). So in my mind, this isn't my first game calling it because I've tried to prepare that already. In the spring, in training camp... not script plays and go out there and call it like it's a game. And then make the mistakes. Our players are out there practicing. They're out there getting their reps. So I'm getting my reps, too.

"Just like any job, you prepare for the role you want to be in before you get in the role. I've been doing that (in years) before and now really is the opportunity to do it as the defensive coordinator."

Covington got more conventional practice calling plays during New England's three preseason games, in which the Patriots only allowed 12.3 points per game.

While that should give Covington some confidence, his task is much more difficult than in those exhibition contests with the Bengals boasting offensive firepower with Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Covington worked his way up the coaching ladder with the Patriots to be in this position. He joined the Patriots in 2017 as a coaching assistant before coaching outside linebackers for a season in 2019. Covington then served as New England's defensive line coach for four seasons before getting promoted to the team's defensive coordinator with Jerod Mayo taking the head coaching reins and Steve Belichick, who called plays in past seasons, moving on to the college ranks.

Covington isn't overwhelmed by his new duties, though. From practicing in his backyard to calling plays during training camp and preseason games, Covington feels ready to put his fingerprints on the Patriots defense.

"I've always dreamed of doing this," Covington said. "So we're here now. It's not like, 'Oh (expletive), what's going to happen?' No. I've been dreaming on this. I've been waiting on this."