Tennessee Titans: A.J. Brown Feeling Prepared, Confident for Matchup with Stephon Gilmore of the Patriots
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown has been stellar for the Tennessee Titans this season, but he likely has a big obstacle coming his way in the first round of the playoffs. New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who Brown could see a lot of in Saturday's game, has had a stellar season […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown has been stellar for the Tennessee Titans this season, but he likely has a big obstacle coming his way in the first round of the playoffs.
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who Brown could see a lot of in Saturday's game, has had a stellar season and is currently the odds-on favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
"He's a quality player," said Titans QB Ryan Tannehill, who faced Gilmore a number of times as a member of the Dolphins.
"He's really good. He's physical, he stays tight in man coverage, he transitions really well, and then he has good ball skills. He's kind of the complete package, everything you're looking for in a corner. He's played great for them."
The Patriots usually assign Gilmore to their opponent's best pass catcher for the entirety of a game, meaning that he will likely travel with Brown, the Titans' leading receiver, this week.
It will be a tough challenge for Brown, but it's one that he feels prepared for because of his experience.
Just two weeks ago, Brown faced two-time Pro Bowl corner Marshon Lattimore of the Saints, who shadowed the rookie for a majority of the game. Lattimore is just the latest, though, of a number of stellar cornerbacks that Brown has faced this season.
Those previous experiences have given him a measure of preparation for the matchup with Gilmore.
"All year prepares me—going against top guys like A.J. Bouye, Chris Harris and Jalen Ramsey," Brown said. "When those matchups come along, it prepares me."
Not all of the past matchups went Brown's way, however.
Against Lattimore, Brown caught just one pass, and he was only targeted twice the entire game. He was also somewhat invisible against Ramsey and Bouye.
"In those past matchups, I wouldn't say I did the best," Brown said.
Nevertheless, he plans on using the experience as a boost to confidence.
"It definitely gives me confidence," he said. "It prepares me. You aren't going to keep losing, you're going to eventually win some."
The Titans would certainly be pleased if this becomes the matchup that Brown breaks through and wins.
MORE: How A.J. Brown Has Developed Mentally as a Rookie
Cover image: Troy Taormina/USA Today
