Patriots gridiron news: Stephon Gilmore relishing his return to Buffalo

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore will play in Buffalo for the first time since signing his $65 million deal with the AFC East leaders.

It wasn’t the greatest start with his new team, but New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore has settled into his own as the season winds down.

After leaving the Buffalo to sign with their AFC East rivals, it appeared the Bills made the right decision in not giving Gilmore top cornerback dollars.  Not only did he struggle with communication the first few weeks of the season, he appeared to be a catalyst in Patriots defensive problems as the team sled to a 2-2 record and the worst overall defensive stats in the league.

Like always the case in New England, things have changed and improvements have been made.  The secondary has turned things around and Stephon Gilmore has been a part of that.  In recognizing his own improvement, Gilmore maintains he just has to get better and is looking forwards to the experience of playing against the team that drafted him.

"“You try to get better and better every game, try to make plays for your team to get the ball back to the offense,” Gilmore said, via the Boston Herald.  “It feels good to get better and learn what you can do to help the team win.  It’s going to be a good experience going up there and playing.  I was on that team for five years.  It’s going to be a good experience.”"

After playing against wide receivers such as Mike Evans, Demaryius Thomas and DeVante Parker, Gilmore appears to have somewhat of a break due to the injury of Kelvin Benjamin.  That doesn’t mean the Bills won’t challenge him.  In fact, they probably will.

If he wants to prove he made the right decision in leaving Buffalo, this will be a game he really comes up big.

Bill Belichick to join “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will join players in the NFL’s annual “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative.

The future Hall-of-Fame coach will wear a pair of sneakers in support of the Bill Belichick Foundation.  According to Boston.com, the foundation provides coaching, mentorship, and financial assistance to student athletes, communities, and other needs within an organization.

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The sneakers worn on Sunday will be auctioned off to the highest bidder following the game with proceeds also going to the Belichick Foundation.  It is great to see the coach joining the players in supporting such great causes within many communities across the region and country.

 Trey Flowers out vs. Buffalo Bills

The Patriots’ defense will be challenged in the AFC East showdown against the Buffalo Bills. With the focus on stopping running back LeSean McCoy and the mobility of Tyrod Taylor, the team will have to do it without top defensive end Trey Flowers.

As reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss Saturday night, Flowers has been downgraded to out due to a ribs injury.  His absence will put more of a load on rookie defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr, and former Bills defensive line man Eric Lee.

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The team has also promoted Geneo Grissom from the practice squad and may use rookie Adam Butler or veteran defensive lineman Lawrence Guy in more of the defensive end role.