When the New England Patriots made the decision to trade standout cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Carolina Panthers, many observers immediately pointed to the calendar. And this week. Why? Because if Gilmore was healthy, there was a chance he could be in the lineup against his former team.
After seeing 17 snaps in his Carolina debut a week ago — and notching an interception — the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year was indeed in the lineup against the Patriots, and he made his presence felt with an early interception of rookie quarterback Mac Jones:
Stephon Gilmore interception against his former team! @BumpNrunGilm0re #KeepPounding
📺: #NEvsCAR on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/tVfjYY98jM— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
New England is trying to isolate Gilmore on this play, as he is covering the middle receiver to the tree-receiver formation. That receiver, Jakobi Meyers, runs a slant route while the tight end releases to the flat, trying to create the rub on Gilmore. But the veteran defender comes over the top of the potential pick and once he has a clear lane, he drives to the spot and beats Meyers to the football for the interception.
The idea of revenge games is often overstated in the media, as players and personnel alike understand the business nature of the sport. After all, prior to the game there was this moment between Gilmore and Patriots owner Robert Kraft:
Respect from Gilly Lock@BumpNrunGilm0re 🤝 @Patriots pic.twitter.com/zQdY9TS6qh
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 7, 2021
Still, with two interceptions in two games — and now one against his former team — Gilmore looks to be enjoying life in the NFC South.
