FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Dak Prescott #4 hands the ball off to x#21 of the Dallas Cowboys during a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo: Getty)
The New England Patriots have struggled this season, especially on offense, having missed the bye week for the first time since 2009. Resting on the shoulders of the defense, the Patriots now find themselves in the position of elimination as they take on the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the playoffs.
The Patriots have stopped relying on their star quarterback Tom Brady and their running back and wide receiving corps, instead focusing on the defense led by corner back Stephon Gilmore.
His on-field credentials have put him in the position to be the key to the Patriots success in these playoffs. He has six interceptions, which ties him for most in the league, and he has returned more interceptions for touchdowns (two) than he has allowed to receivers (one).
His reliability and consistency has been staggering. But his humility and pure love of the game are something others notice. Former teammate Tyrod Taylor said Gilmore was “literally the quietest” player he has known in the NFL and Patriots’ defensive captain Devin McCourty said he doesn’t talk much trash “because he doesn’t talk at all.”
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Sam Borden of ESPN asked Gilmore if he was the best corner in the NFL. All Gilmore had to say was “yes”.
Drafted to Buffalo in the first round of the 2012 draft out of South Carolina, he joined the Patriots in 2017. The Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler has clearly made a name for himself in the National Football League.
He knows how good he is, whether he wants to say it or not. But facing off against the Titans will be a challenge and one where the Patriots hope Gilmore can shine.
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