New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is the best cornerback in football, in part because he’s often a better pass-catcher than the man he’s marking.
Gilmore, for example, managed his fifth and sixth interception of the season during the Patriots’ Week 15 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The first came on a one-handed snag on third down. His second came on the following drive (and Gilmore’s following target). Gilmore picked the ball, and returned it for a touchdown.
That score was meaningful not only for his team but also for his individual stats on the season. Gilmore has scored more touchdowns than the receivers he has covered in 2019 — a remarkable achievement.
The cornerback spent most of his game on receiver Tyler Boyd, though Gilmore rotated to Alex Erickson and other Bengals’ pass-catchers. Boyd finished with three catches for 26 yards. Andy Dalton didn’t have much success targeting the Patriots’ other cornerback, J.C. Jackson, who also had two interceptions on the game.
Gilmore is putting together a truly special season.
