New England Patriots mid-season awards for 2018 season
By Sam Minton
3. Best defensive player
Stephon Gilmore has been the anchor of the New England Patriots defense. Without his great play in the secondary, the Patriots could be in a rough spot.
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This is Gilmore’s chance to prove that he was worth getting rid of Malcolm Butler. So far I would say it definitely paid off. This season Gilmore has 26 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.
These numbers may not seem like anything special, but they prove why Gilmore is so great. Opposing quarterbacks are scared to throw at him because he locks guys down. It’s hard to get interceptions when the ball isn’t being thrown your way.
If Gilmore can continue to dominate team’s top receivers the Patriots will be in a good spot.
Part of Gilmore’s success is due to some great pass rush from the front seven. Trey Flowers was a close runner-up because he has dominated opposing team’s offensive lines. Flowers is causing chaos in the backfield and if he continues to do so that will lead to some turnover opportunities for Stephon Gilmore and the defense.