New England Patriots defensive matchups with Tennessee receivers

WR Eric Decker v. CB Stephon Gilmore

Decker 2017 Stats: 54 receptions, 563 yards, 1 touchdown

Gilmore 2017 Stats: 47 tackles, 9 passes defended, 2 interceptions

Stephon Gilmore was signed this offseason to be able to lock down receivers in the playoffs. Eric Decker isn’t a superstar, and he isn’t a huge threat, but he’s the kind of player that has given New England problems in the past. Gilmore won’t give up too much physically or athletically to Decker, and he should be able to run right along with him for the entire game.

Last week in Kansas City, Decker caught just 2 passes on 5 targets, but he hauled in a crucial touchdown. Gilmore will look to keep him out of the end zone on Saturday night, forcing others to make plays if Tennessee wants to score at all in this game.

This will be Gilmore’s first career playoff game, and in the national spotlight, he can prove to the rest of the league why New England was willing to pay so much for his services.