Stephon Gilmore wins AFC Defensive Player of the Month after terrorizing opposing offenses in October
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots defense originally got their “Boogeymen” nickname from the linebackers, but really they can scare you at every level. And no player across the conference terrorized opposing quarterbacks and receivers more than Stephon Gilmore.
After racking up two interceptions and seven total passes defensed in four games, Gilmore earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for October. He most recently held Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to five catches for 52 inconsequential yards, 31 of which came on a garbage-time reception when Gilmore had him bracketed with Duron Harmon.
That was really the biggest play made on Gilmore so far this season, and there haven’t been many made against this defense in general. Gilmore’s month could have been even better because he also dropped a would-be interception against the Browns, which would have had a chance at a pick-six if he made the catch and stayed on his feet.
“I should have picked that. I’m not going to sleep tonight. I’m not going to sleep,” Gilmore deadpanned after the game on Sunday. “It was just a great call, a great call by Devin and we knew it was coming. I should have made that play.”
Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots defense Odell Beckham Jr. of the Cleveland Browns during a game at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Gilmore eats a lot of humble pie and that’s part of the reason for his consistent success as a Patriot. He talks a lot about having to prove yourself each and every week. He’ll probably say he tries to prove himself each and every month when asked about his latest award.
The reigning First Team All-Pro corner will be crucial to stopping the Ravens’ deep passing game against rookie receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and quarterback Lamar Jackson. He’s rolling after having October on lockdown, so there’s reason to be confident he’ll show up again in Baltimore.
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].
