Patriots gridiron news: Stephon Gilmore earns Week 12 praise
Following a first half filled with struggles, New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is finding his way in the secondary.
Stephon Gilmore has finally shown up for the New England Patriots and the timing couldn’t be better.
Following what appeared to be communication issues during the first half of the season, the highly paid cornerback appears finding his comfort in the secondary.
On Sunday, Gilmore did a good job locking up Miami Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker on a key play to end the first half in which Gilmore pulled down an interception in the end zone.
The solid play, specifically the interception, earned Gilmore some praise from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on Monday.
"“I thought he had good leverage on the play,” Belichick told the media when asked about Gilmore’s interception. “He did a good job when he kind of caught up to [DeVante] Parker on the route looking back for the ball and going up and making a play on it. I thought he did a nice job of playing his responsibilities with good technique, good leverage and then just turned at the right time when he should have as he moved close to the receiver, to Parker.”"
At the right place at the right time, the play symbolized both improved communication and a high level of focus from Gilmore.
Overall, the $65 million and the entire secondary did a good job on a pretty dangerous group of skilled receivers. For that, Belichick complemented the group for their competitive play throughout the game.
"“I thought our entire secondary covered competitively against a very good group of receivers,” Belichick continued. “It varied from play to play on who had who. I don’t know. I haven’t statted up who covered who the most, but it varied from [play to play]. Situations were different.”"
With more injuries along the front seven, the New England Patriots will rely on the strong play of their secondary going forward. Stephon Gilmore will play a major role in how productive this group will and can be in the next stretch of games.
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Kyle Van Noy injury not a long-term problem
The Patriots left Sunday’s 35-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins banged up. One of those players was linebacker Kyle Van Noy who suffered a calf injury during the game.
According to NESN.com’s Doug Kyed, Van Noy’s injury does not appear to be a long-term concern for the team. The veteran linebacker is a key to the team’s success along that defensive front seven, so any missed time will problematic given the team’s loss of Dont’a Hightower.
Martellus Bennett placed on IR
The New England Patriots have placed tight end Martellus Bennett on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. The move makes Bennett’s return to New England a short-lived reunion at least for the remainder of this season.
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The 31-year-old tight end was claimed off waivers following his release from the Green Bay Packers. In what was a low risk move, Bennett caught six passes for 53 yards in his two games with the Patriots. While contemplating retirement, it is unknown whether Bennett will play out his contract that extends through the 2019 season.