5 New England Patriots to watch vs Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4
Stephon Gilmore will need to impact the game defensively
One of the best quarterbacks in the game going up against one of the best cornerbacks will be a matchup to watch when the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs square off.
Any success Bill Belichick has defensively will depend on reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore and his ability to cover one side of the field.
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With Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman all presenting scary matchups, Gilmore’s ability to take out one of those players on a one-on-one matchup will allow Belichick to draw up some different schemes using his other cornerbacks and safeties.
As Gilmore usually takes on Watkins in single coverage when these two teams meet, both J.C. Jackson and Jonathan Jones inside will have to be on their game as both will get safety help against the fast due of Hill and Hardman.
If the front seven comes to play and are able to get pressure on Patrick Mahomes, that leaves Kelce, who Belichick could use Stephon Gilmore against if he trusts Jackson to cover Watkins one-on-one.
In all, this chest match between Bill Belichick and Andy Reid will come down to how big a factor Gilmore is in this game for the New England Patriots. If he struggles, it could have a trickle-down effect on the secondary, which could lead to a long Monday night in Kansas City.