Stephon Gilmore Makes Late Interception To Help Seal Win In Panthers Debut

FOXBORO (CBS) -- It did not take long for Stephon Gilmore to make an impact in Carolina. And next week, he'll get a chance to do so against his former team.

The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year made his Panthers debut in Week 8, and came down with a late interception that helped seal a much-needed win for Carolina.

Gilmore picked off Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan just after the two-minute warning to help secure an eventual 19-13 win for the Panthers. Ryan dropped back on a first-and-10 at the Carolina 30-yard line, and was hit as he made his throw to rookie tight end Kyle Pitts. He instead found Gilmore, who came down with his first interception since Week 1 of the 2020 season.

Gilmore had two total tackles and a pass defended in his debut, as the Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak on Sunday. The Carolina offense went three-and-out after Gilmore's pick, so the Panthers defense had to go back out and make another stop to secure Sunday's win.

Gilmore, a four-time Pro Bowler, started the season on PUP for the Patriots as he worked his way back from a partially torn quad. He was attempting to work out a new contract with the Patriots, but was traded to Carolina on Oct 6.

Up next for Gilmore and the Panthers? That would be a visit from the New England Patriots in Week 9. Asked if he was feeling any added motivation heading into next week's game, Gilmore made his feelings abundantly clear.

"A lot extra," the corner responded.

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• Carolina Panthers
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