4 crucial matchups that will decide Panthers vs. the Falcons in Week 14
By Noah Bryce
Stephon Gilmore vs. Kyle Pitts
Speaking of locking down Kyle Pitts.
Stephon Gilmore certainly got off to a hot start for the Carolina Panthers after being activated just in time for their first game against the Atlanta Falcons this season. Grabbing an interception in his first game of the year is about as hot as it gets.
To add even more to an already impressive day, Gilmore made rookie sensation Pitts an afterthought for the Falcons, putting on a coverage clinic while completely shutting down their star tight end.
This is more than likely the assignment the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will once again draw come Sunday with his skill on top of all the injuries that have decimated the Panthers’ cornerback room.
Pitts is quite possibly one of the most gifted receiving tight ends to ever come out of an NFL Draft, to the point many consider him to just be a particularly large receiver instead of a tight end. And just because Gilmore was able to shut him down once, doesn’t mean he will be able to do it again.
Holding a specimen like Pitts to only two catches for 13 yards is no performance to sniff at. Seeing Gilmore lined up against him will be something to keep an eye on, that’s for sure.