Should Stephon Gilmore be Defensive Player of the Year? He tells Zolak & Bertrand the film speaks for itself
We asked Stephon Gilmore if he was Defensive POY: "my play speaks for itself......no question" pic.twitter.com/VaUxFRAzoL
— Zolak & Bertrand (@ZoandBertrand) December 18, 2019
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Should Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore win NFL Defensive Player of the Year? He seems to believe so.
In a literal sense, Gilmore is as soft-spoken as any player ever to walk the Patriots locker room. But he definitely doesn’t lack confidence and has been known to drop some absolute bombs when he does speak. So when he’s asked during an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand whether he should win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year … well, he does hesitate for a moment because he certainly doesn’t want to come off as arrogant or selfish.
But Gilmore says what everyone who’s watched him play this season already knows. He’s played well enough to win Defensive Player of the Year.
“I mean, my play speaks for itself,” said Gilmore, which you can hear in the clip above. “If you really watch the tape each and every game, there’s no question.”
Dec 15, 2019; Cincinnati, OH: New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore breaks up a pass intended fro Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. (David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports)
Gilmore is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with six, and he’s turned two of those picks into touchdowns. He’s also tied for the league lead with 17 total passes defensed. He’s notably shut down a number of Pro Bowl-caliber receivers, most notably holding the Cowboys’ Amari Cooper without a catch in Week 12. And at the same time, there’s no clear standout pass rusher, which is usually where DPOY voters gravitate.
Speaking of the Pro Bowl, Gilmore himself earned a much-deserved distinction as a Pro Bowler, along with linebacker Dont’a Hightower and special teams captain Matthew Slater.
You can listen below for the full interview with Gilmore on Zolak & Bertrand. The segment begins at the 19:49 mark.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
