Stephon Gilmore's Assessment of Patriots' Secondary is a Bad Sign for Opposing Offenses
By Michael Luciano
For as much adulation as Tom Brady, Sony Michel, and the offense got for the New England Patriots Super Bowl run last year, and deservedly so, they were also buoyed by an excellent secondary led by the McCourty twins and one of the best corners in the league in Stephon Gilmore.
As the 2019 season is set to get underway, the Patriots will retain much of that defense. According to Gilmore, this unit could be even better than last year's group, which is a scary thought for the rest of the NFL.
Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (Stephon Gilmore’s trust in secondary; Isaiah Wynn’s importance; Josh Gordon; N’Keal Harry has to “Trust The Process”; Kyle Van Noy a core piece; Bill Belichick and building something that sustains etc.) https://t.co/0vTHJPrjuf
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2019
"I've never had as much trust in a secondary, or the defense, as I have in these guys," Gilmore said. "It allows us to play fast."
The All-Pro corner might have had the best individual season of his career, but the back end of Brain Flores' defense also featured both Jason and Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon. When you add in 2018 second-round pick Duke Dawson and 6-3, 210 pounder Joejuan Williams to the mix, the Patriots could be an even better defense in 2019.
stephon gilmore’s 2018 stat line (playoffs included)
— brianna pirre (@bsp_13) July 30, 2019
4 int
25 passes defended
3 forced fumbles (one recovered)
1 sack
42 receptions allowed on 90 targets (46%, regular season)
pro bowl and first team all-pro
#1 ranked corner in the league
22nd best player of 2018 pic.twitter.com/CBaBmqRa2e
Even when you've got Brady and the offense pinned down, Gilmore and that secondary can save the day with a game-changing pick. Need proof? Check the Super Bowl.