Stephon Gilmore made sure he was the last player off the practice field Wednesday after a not so bright debut in the Bills loss to the Jets. The cornerback struggled to make plays against Jets receivers at times and surrendered a 33-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Hill on the first play of the second quarter.
Gilmore said he's really worked on getting back to his style of play.
"I worked mostly on my technique (in practice)," Gilmore said. "I know physically I can play with anybody, athletically, but I think working on my technique and my feet is what I need most and I'll go from there."
The 10th overall pick of the 2012 draft registered five tackles and one forced fumble in his first start for the Bills. Head coach Chan Gailey said Gilmore didn't play like himself last Sunday.
"A little soft. He played a little tentative," said Gailey. "He played a little tentative early in preseason and then the last preseason game he played a lot more physical. He got off balance and played a little tentative against the Jets. He has shown to be a much more physical and much more dominant force in one-on-one coverage than he did (Sunday). I think he'll learn from this and become a better football player. He's got all the tools."
Gilmore agreed saying he needs to stop over thinking the game.
"I think I played kind of tentative, but sometimes I played aggressive," Gilmore said. "I think I just have to play and not worry about anything else. Just play my game and play physical."
The Jets racked up 266 passing yards Sunday, but Gilmore said the receivers weren't doing anything special to make the plays they did.
"None of the receivers on the Jets team are better than Stevie (Johnson)," Gilmore said. "I can stay with Stevie (in practice), it just comes down to me playing with better technique."
Gilmore recorded three tackles in preseason, all against Pittsburgh, but felt he was more physical during the final game in Detroit.
"I think I played physically at certain times in this past game, but I have to do it every play," Gilmore said. "I have to put the game on the line for my team."
Gilmore has been known to play with a physical style at cornerback, recording 181 total tackles and 15 sacks through three seasons at South Carolina. The former Gamecock said he's learned a lot from veteran corners Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin since being in Buffalo.
"Leodis has taught me a lot about the plays we have and playing with leverage," Gilmore said. "Terrence is having a great career and had a great career as a young player. He's told me to, 'Keep working hard. Make your tackles, play physical and believe in yourself. Some people might catch a ball, but you have to make them pay for it.'"
After some struggles in the season opener, Gilmore said he's excited to regroup this week and make some plays for his team.
"We gave up a big game this past week," Gilmore said. "But we have to put it behind us and come out with a win."
