Hill, Kelce, Watkins ... who will Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore track Sunday?
Who looks to come up big when the Chiefs travel to New England Sunday? Here are some candidates (besides obvious stars like New England’s Tom Brady and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, of course).
Patriots running back Sony Michel
The Patriots haven’t been a ground-and-pound team this season, averaging just 96.3 yards per game, 21st in the NFL. But the Chiefs are 30th in rushing yards allowed and Michel went for 219 yards and four touchdowns in the Pats two games against the Chiefs last season. New England will look to control the clock with Michel and James White.
Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore is having an outstanding season and should be in the running for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. According to Pro Football Focus, he has allowed the lowest passer rating (43.0) among eligible cornerbacks this season. Gilmore usually is assigned the opposing team’s top wide reciever. So look for a Gilmore on Tyreek Hill or Travis Kelce. In last year’s games, Gilmore mostly shadowed Sammy Watkins, with Hill attracting bracket coverage. Gilmore switched to Kelce in the second half of the AFC title game.
Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman
The Patriots typically excel at limiting other team’s most productive players, making it essential for supporting cast members to step up. In this case, receivers like Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and Hardman should get their share of targets. Of that group, Hardman is the most dangerous because of his speed. He’s had only three receptions in the last four games, although one was a 63-yard touchdown at Tennessee when he outraced defenders to the end zone.
Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu
This isn’t the same high-scoring Patriots bunch from a year ago, nor is is the same leaky Chiefs defense. The Chiefs’ defense of autumn 2019 has a chance to make a statement in this game. Mathieu has been on fire recently, with interceptions in each of the last two games. Not only is he making plays, he’s getting teammates in the right position ... and that’s helped solidify that side of the ball.
This story was originally published December 6, 2019 at 4:16 PM.