Stephon Gilmore makes huge statement ahead of Patriots revenge game

(Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports) Stephon Gilmore
(Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports) Stephon Gilmore

Carolina Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore made a big statement ahead of his revenge game against the New England Patriots in Week 9.

It was a debut to remember for Stephon Gilmore. The Carolina Panthers got the All-Pro cornerback into the lineup for the first time at the Atlanta Falcons after 10 months out with a torn quad, and it didn’t take long for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year to make his presence felt.

Gilmore was on the field for just 17 snaps. But the Panthers gave the former South Carolina star plenty of responsibility against stud rookie Kyle Pitts despite his lack of activity in a competitive setting.

As the old saying goes, class is permanent.

Something that Gilmore displayed to full effect in Week 8.

Gilmore put on a coverage clinic in the face of a potentially generational talent in Pitts, who commented after the game just what a different experience it was coming up against one of the best man cover guys in the business.

"“He’s a great player and kind of gave me a welcome into the NFL, so I know how to come back and do better next week. He’s just a previous defensive player of the year and did some different things that I haven’t seen before.”"

One cannot look at Gilmore’s performance with anything other than encouragement. There was a noticeable difference on defense with him and Shaq Thompson both in the lineup. which restricted the Falcons to just 13 points and made things immensely difficult for Matt Ryan throughout.

If this was the first step. Then what comes next is going to be fascinating.

Stephon Gilmore will look to help the Carolina Panthers beat his former team.

Not only is this weekend going to be his first taste of playing for the Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, but Gilmore will also come up against the New England Patriots – a team that was going to release the veteran rather than pay him the money he was reportedly seeking on a new deal.

This will no doubt have stung Gilmore, even if it did result in a homecoming.

And make no mistake, he’ll be looking to prove beyond all doubt that Bill Belichick made the wrong call.

When asked about the quick-fire reunion with his former employers and whether it means anymore, Gilmore kept it short and sweet. However, it’s clear there might be some animosity considering the player’s comments about how the Patriots handled matters regarding his torn quad.

"“I just didn’t like how they handled my situation, my injury. 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.”"

The Patriots cast Gilmore aside for a sixth-round pick and were prepared to let him walk for nothing before Carolina came in with an offer.

A seasoned campaigner such as this knows how to keep his emotions in check when it’s time to get down to business, which is something the player is probably all-too-aware of no matter how much Gilmore wants revenge.

It’ll be a weird situation for Gilmore to be in. But focusing on the game itself and not the occasion will be the best way to get one over on Belichick and boost Carolina’s playoff hopes in the process.

This gives the game an added sense of intrigue that wasn’t there after the Patriots cut ties with Cam Newton before the season. Considering both sides are also at 4-4, the eventual result could have some significant repercussions.

As for Gilmore, it might not seem like it right now. But once he crosses those white lines it’ll just be another day at the office.

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