New England Patriots: 3 X-factor players for Week 7 vs. 49ers

2. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback

Like they praised Malcom Butler for his Super Bowl-clinching interception, Patriots fans will always deliver love to Stephon Gilmore after his big interception in Super Bowl LIII set the stage for a sixth Lombardi Trophy to arrive in Foxborough.

Additionally, his play through his tenure in New England earned him a Defensive player of the Year award last year and a nice payday, which doesn’t really happen under the Belichick era.

Last season, however, an unfortunate performance against DeVante Parker allowed Miami to upset New England in Week 17, forcing them to play on Wild Card weekend and the rest is history. This season, Gilmore has struggled at times and even had his name mentioned in trade talks.

First and foremost, that trade will not happen given the amount of money that Belichick has paid Gilmore and how he has produced for this franchise since he came to the team from a division rival in Buffalo.

Second, Gilmore has a prime opportunity to prove to him against a 49ers receiving corps that leaves a lot to be desired. When a cornerback is given a chance to prove himself, he will certainly take advantage. He isn’t the only defender that needs to elevate himself, but he’s one of the big ones.