Stephon Gilmore – Carolina Panthers CB
It’s been a gradual process for Stephon Gilmore after he was finally activated following his trade from the New England Patriots. The All-Pro cornerback missed 10 months with a torn quad and although there was a real need to have him out on the field more on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers did now deviate from the veteran’s snap count to avoid putting additional pressure on his shoulders.
Gilmore played more than 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps for the first time. Another big step in the right direction.
More importantly, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year came through unscathed.
This is put-up or shut-up time for the Panthers. This might lead to Gilmore on the field plenty and especially considering the struggles Carolina had in coverage in their previous outing.
The Miami Dolphins have a blossoming stud in Jaylen Waddle, a first-round pick who is coming on leaps and bounds since he became the No. 1 option.
The Alabama product has the route-running and speed to kill an opponent if afforded enough space. So Gilmore’s ability to erase this complication has to be utilized early and often.
Glmore has the bye week to rest if he is sore from playing almost every snap. But it’s something the Panthers simply have to do given what’s at stake.