FOXBOROUGH, Mass. _ Coming off the best season of his career, NFL coaches have certainly recognized Stephon Gilmore.
Last year, the Patriots cornerback was named to the first-team All-Pro for the first time in his career, along with his second Pro Bowl selection. This year, he continues to be a force on defense. On Wednesday, New York Jets head coach Adam Gase gave Gilmore the ultimate compliment.
"I mean he's probably the best corner in the league," Gase said. "Just the fact of, if he's one-on-one, he's very difficult to get open on. He has a very good knowledge of the game. He understands splits, he understands break points, he understands stems and things like that, that really make it challenging for any receiver.
"But as a play-caller, you're aware of that and just have to understand that he's playing chess while everybody else is playing checkers. He's really, especially the past couple years, he's playing at an extremely high level."
Last year, Gilmore was Pro Football Focus' No. 1 ranked cornerback. He finished the 2018 season with a career-high 20 passes defended, which was second in the NFL. Gilmore also had two interceptions. This year, in two games, Gilmore has an interception and three passes defensed.
Gilmore was flattered by Gase's words, but knows he has to continue to play well.
"It's a big compliment, but you kind of have to shift your focus to what you have to do this week to be successful," Gilmore said. "And I try and be consistent each and every week and do whatever I can to help the team win and make plays for my team."
"I will let everyone else have their opinion," he added. "I am confident in myself each and every play. I try and work hard each and every day to be successful on the field."
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