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‘It lit a fire in me’: Former Patriot Stephon Gilmore said he was inspired by Eagles’ trash talk
"The only thing I could do was show him I was still here, and I think I did that today."
Stephon Gilmore’s extra motivation: On Sunday night, the Cowboys produced a fairly dominant display in a 33-13 win over the NFC East rival Eagles.
A big part of Dallas’ effort was on the defensive side, where the Cowboys defense once again proved stout. Somewhat surprisingly, it was cornerback Stephon Gilmore who led the team in tackles, with nine.
Gilmore also forced a fumble playing against talented Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Now 33, the former Patriot — who won the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year in New England — said he was inspired by some trash-talking from Brown.
“I just didn’t like how he called me old at the beginning of the game,” Gilmore said after the game. “So it lit a fire in me a little bit. I was mad. The only thing I could do was show him I was still here, and I think I did that today.”
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Though Brown still made nine receptions, Gilmore was able to help limit Philadelphia offensively all night.
Despite the trash talk with Brown, Gilmore said he likes playing against quality opposition.
“I enjoy it, because I feel like it brings a different part of me out,” Gilmore said of having to cover the other team’s top receivers. “Sometimes I get bored on other guys. I like covering the best guy sometimes. I just get excited for it.”
Trivia: Stephon Gilmore was the second cornerback chosen in the 2012 NFL Draft. Who was the first?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was picked by Gilmore’s current team, the Cowboys.
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Scores and schedules:
Tomorrow, the Celtics host the Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, the Bruins will be in New Jersey to face the Devils at 7:30 p.m.
And this Sunday, the Patriots play the Chiefs at Gillette Stadium at 1 p.m.
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- Zach Wilson leads Jets to 30-6 win over Texans in return
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- Watch: Rob Gronkowski brings iconic ‘Gronk Spike’ back to Gillette Stadium
- Photos from the Army-Navy Game at Gillette Stadium
- Army holds on with goal-line stand in final seconds, beats Navy 17-11
- Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting contract, by the numbers
- Free agent Justin Turner has humorous response to historic Shohei Ohtani contract
The Chiefs touchdown that was negated by an offsides penalty: Patrick Mahomes was not happy after an apparent go-ahead touchdown against the Bills was called back, but officials stood by the decision.
On this day: In 2001, rumors swirled over what the Red Sox would do in the offseason, and the Celtics overcame the Knicks 102-93 in overtime thanks largely to Antoine Walker’s 42 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. Paul Pierce played a role on both sides of the floor, scoring 18 while recording six steals.
Daily highlight: Tylan Wallace won it for the Ravens with an electric overtime punt return for a touchdown against the Rams on Sunday.
Trivia answer: Morris Claiborne
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