New England Patriots: Winners and losers from Week 4

Losers

CB Stephon Gilmore

Things haven’t quite clicked for Stephon Gilmore in his first year with New England. Gilmore’s struggles with communication among the secondary have resulted in a handful of costly plays. On Sunday, those miscues continued. According to Doug Kyed, Gilmore allowed three catches on three targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns. If that wasn’t bad enough, he was also flagged twice, both on third down.

RT Marcus Cannon

The Patriots’ offensive line is another unit who’s had a shaky start to the season. After Nate Solder gave up two sacks in Week 3, Marcus Cannon was responsible for two sacks versus the Panthers. In addition, Cannon allowed two quarterback hits and two hurries. Brady’s now been sacked 13 times in four games. Not ideal.

Next: Rob Gronkowski has been a bright spot this season

CB Malcolm Butler

Despite hauling in an interception that would lead to a New England touchdown, question marks loom over Malcolm Butler’s performance. He was targeted six times, allowing five catches for 55 yards, per Doug Kyed. Butler’s pick came when he abandoned wide receiver Devin Funchess and joined Eric Rowe in coverage against Damiere Byrd. While the interception is all that will be remembered, Funchess would have picked up the first down while Butler freelanced. It’s worth wondering how this risky decision was perceived by head coach Bill Belichick.