Gilmore happier 2nd time around
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
FOXBORO — Eight practices into training camp, cornerback Stephon Gilmore has consistently been one of the most impressive players on the field.
Gilmore, who got off to a rocky start with the Patriots, seems to be building on his red-hot finish to the 2017 season.
He has blanketed receivers throughout camp, even in drills that inherently benefit the offense. On Wednesday, Gilmore mirrored Chris Hogan in a one-on-one drill, taking away any window for Tom Brady to deliver the ball.
Gilmore is entering the second season of a fiveyear, $65 million contract. As Bill Belichick noted yesterday, the second season is an important one, as players can develop “a higher level of comfort in the overall program and the defensive system.”
“We have a lot of players that fall into that category and (Gilmore) is one of them,” Belichick said. “I think that’s been evident since the beginning of the offseason program in April. He’s done a good job, done a solid job for us all year. He did a solid job for us last year, but this year we’re starting at a much higher point.”
Another second-year player, tight end Dwayne Allen, has made strides.
Allen’s situation is a bit different than Gilmore’s, though. Unlike the star cornerback, Allen never shook off his slow start in Foxboro. He carved out a role as a blocking tight end, and certainly impacted the running game, but failed to reach his full potential.
Earlier this week, Allen indicated he’s in a better spot entering this season.
“What a difference a year can make,” Allen said.
In Belichick’s view, Allen has enjoyed a “great offseason.”
“(He’s) worked really hard, has improved himself, has improved the techniques and doing things the way that we try to do them,” the coach said. “He’s helped younger players like Will (Tye) and Jacob (Hollister) and guys like that. He’s been a great teammate.”
Decker signs
The Patriots announced the signing of wide receiver Eric Decker, adding depth to a position of need.
Decker, 31, has been a longtime rival of the Patriots. As a member of the Broncos, Jets and Titans, Decker has appeared in nine games against the Pats, averaging 3.5 catches for 48.1 yards.
The 6-foot-3, 214-pound Decker could compete for a role as slot receiver. He was primarily used as an inside receiver with the Titans.
Edelman legs it out
There has been plenty of camp chatter regarding Julian Edelman, who appears to be moving well for someone 10 months removed from an ACL reconstruction.
The veteran receiver tempered expectations yesterday.
“I feel like I’ve got to get my legs under me a lot more,” Edelman said. “I don’t have my camp legs, I don’t have football legs and it’s evident out there. You get tired, you create bad habits, you don’t run your routes right and you get yelled at in meetings for it. I’m expecting to do that because I’ve got to pick it up. I wasn’t as good as I want to be today and feeling that’s because I’m not in the best shape right now.”
Edelman, facing a fourgame suspension, has nearly two months until he’s eligible to make his regular-season debut.
Injury report
Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon and running back Sony Michel missed practice. Both exited during Wednesday’s session and have not practiced since.
Offensive lineman Jason King was also absent. King injured his knee during Thursday’s practice, but did not suffer any structural damage, according to a source.