Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore has a chance to do something that has not been done since 2009. That is winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award as a cornerback. Charles Woodson was the last to accomplish this feat and Gilmore is a strong candidate 10 years later.
The New England Patriots have been a top-three defense all season long. They currently rank first in the NFL in total defense allowing 268.4 yards per game. Led by Gilmore, New England is second allowing 170.3 passing yards per game. He has been the best cornerback in the league this season and he showed it in Week 15.
Gilmore dominated in a 34-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He grabbed a one-handed interception in the third quarter. Usually, that would be hard to top, but Gilmore did with a 64-yard interception returned for a touchdown. This brought his interception total up to six on the season and that is tied for the league lead.
Who is Gilmore's Competition?
There are a few main competitors and while Aaron Donald is the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year, it is unlikely that he will make it three in a row. There are other competitors that better cases can be made based on their performance this season.
Tre'Davious White of the Buffalo Bills has had an incredible season. White is tied with Gilmore for the NFL lead in interceptions so far this season. There is a chance that White could jump the Patriots' star if he has a strong finish to the season.
As we enter Week 16, White is a threat, but T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers is Gilmore's greatest competitor. Watt has been a beast since he entered the league. This season, the brother of a three-time winner of this award, J.J. Watt, has 13 sacks, six forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Also, Shaq Barrett remains in the mix as he leads the league with 16.5 sacks.
Gilmore is in his third season of a five year, $65 million contract that he signed with the Patriots. This is his best season in Foxborough, which says a lot considering he was great season for a team that ended up winning the Super Bowl.
With all things considered, Gilmore has a chance to be mentioned in the same sentence as some of the all-time New England greats. Winning Defensive Player of the Year would go a long way in solidifying his legacy as a Patriot.
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