Patriots QB Mac Jones reveals how Stephon Gilmore helped him improve

FOXBORO – Mac Jones let everyone in on a little behind-the-scenes secret during his Wednesday media session.

While Jones never got to play against Stephon Gilmore in practice, the rookie quarterback said he still benefitted by having the veteran corner in the room.

As it turns out, Gilmore was like a mentor to the rookie quarterback, offering advice to help him progress.

Jones said Gilmore would often approach him in the locker room with different pointers. The former Patriot, who was traded to the Carolina Panthers Wednesday, is a noted film rat, so he’d watch tape of the quarterback and then come back with suggestions for Jones.

“He actually helped me a lot, just talking with him. Like, ‘Hey, I see you doing this on film’ or whatever,” Jones said of the shutdown corner. “He definitely played a good role for me, just in talking with him. A lot of guys on the team have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great player, and he’ll continue to be a great player. I wish him and his family nothing but success.”

Jones indicated this wasn’t a one-time deal. He said he met quite often with Gilmore.

“Just in the training room, or wherever it may be, I just kind of liked to talk to him,” said Jones. “I asked him if I was ever going to get a chance to go against him. We just kind of talked some smack back and forth. He’s a good dude.”

Jones has had an interesting first few weeks to say the least. He experienced his first rookie start in the season opener. He dealt with his first loss. He also navigated through all the craziness and hype of Tom Brady’s return, playing in a nationally-televised Sunday night game.

And now, he’s had to handle the trade of a popular player.

“We don’t have control over that,” said Jones. “It’s not our decision to make that decision. So, he’s going to be great. It was just an honor to get to know him. We just got to keep moving forward.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3myRecw