Gilmore makes big impact
Teammates take to CB’s physical style
‘He’s just a good player. I’m not going to complicate it too much.’ — DEVIN McCOURTY On new CB Stephon Gilmore
FOXBORO — Watching new Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore jam, bump and partially maul receivers at the line is a wonderful thing, especially if he gets away with it once the games start.
There’s nothing like a big, tall, physical corner, especially one who moves like him.
Receivers typically aren’t very fond of defenders who play like Gilmore.
Three years ago, the Patriots had Brandon Browner, who played opposite Darrelle Revis. Like Gilmore, he was big, tall and physical. But he was a penalty magnet.
Gilmore, however, is much more in control. He’s physical, but he doesn’t really cross the line. The past four years, he’s committed a total of 30 penalties, which averages out to 71⁄ 2 a season. Just as a comparison, that’s exactly the same number as Seattle’s Richard Sherman.
And during the final day of minicamp yesterday, we continued to see signs of that physicality, as Gilmore made receivers feel his presence. And with Malcolm Butler unavailable, the former Bill further established himself as a top corner.
Gilmore drew his usual assignments, taking on Chris Hogan, with Julian Edelman sprinkled in here and there. But toward the end of practice during the 11-on-11 session, we also saw him go toe-to-toe with Brandin Cooks several times.
It was interesting to watch him bump and essentially muscle Cooks at the line, then do his best to stay with him down the field.
There were no long completions, as the air show with Cooks and Tom Brady took a one-day hiatus.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound corner was tough to beat, no matter whom he marked during minicamp. It wasn’t until late in the proceedings that Brady registered his first completion against Gilmore, a quick pass to Edelman. And so it went.
“Going against him just makes you better,” Hogan said following the workout. “Anyone who’s out there going against him knows he’s a big-time competitor. He’s physical, he’s strong, you have to be prepared for that. He’s going to try to disrupt guys off the routes with their timing or whatever it is. He’s a good player and he’s got good ball skills.”
Hogan went up against Gilmore in Buffalo during practice, and now here, so he’s really gotten a taste for what Gilmore brings to the table. And the Patriots haven’t even put on pads just yet. This is the unplugged version.
Sure, it’s only a minicamp, but it’s hard not to like what you see from the free agent Bill Belichick wooed and opened the checkbook for to the tune of five years and $65 million.
“Steph can play you any number of ways,” Hogan added. “He can be physical with you. He can play any way he chooses. But the bottom line, he’s very athletic, he’s very fast, and he’s smart. But the biggest thing is how hard he competes. You just have to be prepared for that.”
Gilmore is still learning the ins and outs of a complicated defense, but the one thing he does best — man coverage — has been obvious during the three days of camp. And that’s key.
Being able to play manto-man is so important to the success of this defense. While coaches value versatility and switch to zone on occasion, the ability to have both of their outside corners play man, and be physical, is crucial.
“I think him, along with guys like Eric Rowe, Malcolm, those guys all get up there (at the line), they’re feisty, they’re all competitive at the line and try to get their hands on (the receivers),” said defensive captain Devin McCourty. “It’s what (defensive backs coach Josh) Boyer coaches in the corner room. I think Steph has stepped right in. I think it was something he’s been comfortable doing since he’s been in the league.”
He sure looks like he can jam with the best of them. But he also moves so fluidly after the fact, and has great body control in the air — we’ve seen him break up passes (two on Tuesday), and deflect others (Wednesday).
“He’s just a good player,” said McCourty. “I’m not going to complicate it too much. You add a good player like him into a secondary, he’s going to help you out.”
Not to mention bruise a few folks in the process.