So, Stephon Gilmore apparently has an ax to grind with the Patriots.
"I just didn't like how they handled my situation, my injury," Gilmore told New England reporters on a conference call this week. "A lot went on with that I didn't agree with.
"Now that I'm here, I'm able to do the things I have to do to get me back ready to where I need to be. I learned a lot there. I have a lot of friends there. A lot of great coaches. I just didn't like how they handled my situation with my injury."
Gilmore did not elaborate on the situation with his injury but did admit he wasn't physically ready at the start of camp.
"I don't want to get into specifics. I just didn't agree with it. I've put it behind me," he said.
Gilmore, who has not adjusted his contract after the Oct. 6th trade for a sixth-round 2023 draft pick, also did admit his contract was part of the equation.
"That's a reason also" he said. "But a lot goes into it. It's not just one specific thing. At the end of the day, it's a business. They treat it like a business, and we made the best decision for each other. ... We had a conversation and it was better for both of us to go in opposite directions, whether it was the contract or whatever."
With that as a backdrop, the Patriots will encounter Gilmore on Sunday. Panthers coach Matt Rhule told reporters today that Gilmore's role — about 17 snaps vs. Atlanta last week, mostly against rookie TE Kyle Pitts — will be similar and confined to mostly third downs.
How did Gilmore look? How is he likely going to be used against the Patriots? Let's dig into the coaches film:
3-8-ATL 38 (7:37) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete short right to K.Pitts [M.Fox].
PENALTY on CAR-S.Gilmore, Defensive Pass Interference, 8 yards, enforced at ATL 38 - No Play
Before we get into the DPI, here's Gilmore's first snap of the game, which took a while to happen.
The DPI is typical Steph. If he was on the Patriots, you'd complain about the call. On the other side, you think he holds all the time (which he always has) and you're screaming for a flag.
I was impressed with Gilmore's physicality in a matchup against a much bigger player. He didn't back down.
3-3-CAR 47 (6:11) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to K.Pitts to CAR 45 for 2 yards (S.Gilmore)
Nice job by Gilmore here. The Falcons didn't go for it and forced a punt. He's all over Pitts and in the right position. Nice throw by Matt Ryan, but better play by Gilmore.
3-4-ATL 19 (:37) (Shotgun) M.Ryan scrambles left guard to ATL 22 for 3 yards (H.Reddick).
I called this is a sack, but it was actually a scramble that's caused by equal parts Gilmore's coverage on Pitts (Ryan's initial read) and the team speed of the Panthers, which is something and will be an issue for the Patriots on Sunday.
1-10-ATL 25 (6:30) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete deep right to K.Pitts
Falcons are trailing 19-10 at this point, and Atlanta wants a dialed-up play to start this drive. Ryan deliberately looks off the safety to come back to Pitts. Gilmore has good initial coverage but gets a little lazy down the field. I might come back to something like this if I'm the Patriots.
1-10-CAR 30 (1:58) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left intended for K.Pitts INTERCEPTED by S.Gilmore [J.Carter] at CAR 15. S.Gilmore to CAR 15 for no gain (K.Pitts).
If there's a bad sign for the Patriots in all of this, it's that Gilmore makes a really, really nice play here undercutting the route. He seemed to get better and faster as the game went on.
Parting Thoughts
If I'm the Patriots, I'm largely staying away from Gilmore. When he's dialed in and motivated (like prime time and playoff games), he's at his best. If the Patriots were the Dolphins in a 1 p.m. game, I would go after him.
Gilmore is obviously on a pitch count, but his legs looked solid and his filmwork/route recognition was in mid-season form. And he knows the Patriots better than any other team.
If I do go after Gilmore, it would have to be on a long-developing double move down the field when he can ease up. Maybe even a trick play.
I would expect Gilmore to take Nelson Agholor a few times, but also Hunter Henry in the red zone.
This should be fun.