New England Patriots - NESN.com
Cory Durden made his first career start against the team that released him just a few months ago, and in the eyes of his current coach, he made the most of the opportunity.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel shouted out Durden following New England’s 33-15 victory against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on Monday night.
“Cory Durden’s been playing a lot for us, and we brought him over here from the Giants practice squad, or from the Giants. They let him go. And that game meant a lot to him,” Vrabel told reporters, per the team. “They told him he wasn’t good enough to play for the Giants, and we thought he was good enough to play for the Patriots. So I’m happy for him.”
The Giants released Durden when trimming their roster down to 53 players and the Patriots signed him in late August.
With defensive tackle Milton Williams still on injured reserve and fellow defensive tackle Khyris Tonga inactive due to a chest injury, the third-year Durden was called to step up in primetime.
Durden finished as New England’s second-highest-graded run defender, according to Pro Football Focus. He finished with a pair of tackles.
“Made some plays and continues to help us but also help himself,” Vrabel said. “And I love that.”
Durden has now played 40 percent or more of defensive snaps in four consecutive games. His production combined with the sentiments from Vrabel indicate he’ll be in the mix when the Patriots return from their Week 14 bye.
