The NFL has handed out two AFC Defensive Player of the Month honors so far this season. Both have gone to New England Patriots defensive backs.
Safety Devin McCourty was the September winner after intercepting passes in each of the Patriots’ first four games. In October, it was All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was recognized Thursday morning.
Gilmore intercepted two passes and broke up five others over the Patriots’ four October contests, including a one-pick, four-PBU showing in a Week 6 win over the New York Giants. In those four games, he allowed seven catches on 24 targets for 127 yards and no touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Patriots’ defense as a whole leads the NFL in total interceptions (19), takeaways (25), sacks (31) and points allowed per game (7.6). The unit will face its most difficult challenge of the season to date Sunday night against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
