For years the New England Patriots fielded one of the best cornerback groups in the NFL. Led by Pro Bowl-caliber players such as Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson, the unit had no problem keeping opposing pass catchers in check on a week-to-week basis.
The times, however, they are a-changin’ for the group. Gilmore was traded to Carolina last October, with Jackson leaving in unrestricted free agency five months later. As a result, the unit finds itself in uncharted territory and facing a lot more questions than it has in quite some time.
Just don’t tell Adrian Phillips.