Fansided

5 players who New England Patriots need to be great in 2019

By William Schneiderhan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) /

3. Stephon Gilmore, CB

After the 2016 season, the Patriots signed Stephon Gilmore to a five-year, $65 million deal. Prior to that, he had spent the first five years of his career playing for the division rival Buffalo Bills, where he made one Pro Bowl and had 14 interceptions.

Gilmore’s first season in New England was just alright. He picked off two passes and defended nine in 13 games. Last season, his second year in New England, he became one of the best corners in the NFL.

The 28 year old had two interceptions, defended 20 passes and sacked the quarterback one time on his way to being named both an All-Pro and Pro Bowler. And he also had a game-changing interception against the Rams in the Super Bowl.

Last season, the Patriots owned one of the better pass defenses in the NFL and they intercepted the third-most passes in the league, with 18. Gilmore was a large part of that steady play against the pass, and this year he will be leaned on once again.

Jason McCourty is back, but he is getting older at age 31, and the team also drafted two corners in the draft, Joejuan Williams (45th pick) and Ken Webster (252nd pick). Therefore, it’s important that Gilmore plays to that All-Pro caliber as the young players adjust.

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