oc Tim Kelly: Counter Stephon Gilmore with DeAndre Hopkins
Gilmore is in the top-two for NFL cornerbacks. He’s not No. 2.
Gilmore, an All-Pro in 2018, is playing the part of the NFL’s best shutdown cornerback in 2019. The Patriots superstar — who is questionable with an illness — has allowed a measly 39.5 passer rating in coverage in 2019, per Pro Football Reference.
“He’s playing really, really well. He’s productive, he’s doing a good job of really taking the number one receivers away,” said offensive coordinator Tim Kelly on Wednesday. “You look at what he did last week against Amari (Cooper). So, he’s doing a good job being patient, he plays the ball well, he’s got good size, he runs well.”
Gilmore is expected to shadow back-to-back All-Pro wide-out DeAndre Hopkins, a tough task on both sides. Kelly explains how he will need to play on Sunday night.
“I think just using good route technique and playing the way Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) always plays,” said Kelly. “Hop’s a warrior, he’s a competitor, he goes out there and play hard every single snap. That’s what we’re expecting him to do on Sunday.”