Life without Tom Brady hasn’t gone particularly well for the New England Patriots. What might life without Stephon Gilmore look like?

We’ve gotten a glimpse of that scenario recently, with the shutdown corner missing the last two games, and the view wasn’t especially rosy.

While the secondary held its own against the Bills in a Week 8 loss, largely because Josh Allen didn’t throw that much, it was a near disaster against the Jets on Monday night.

Backup quarterback Joe Flacco enjoyed one of the best games of his 13-year career in terms of passer rating (128.7), and that was with a turnover. He completed more than 70% of his passes for more than 10 yards per attempt.

And one of the primary defenders he went after was Gilmore’s replacement J.C. Jackson, who surrendered a pair of touchdown passes. During Gilmore’s absence, Jackson hasn’t exactly shut down his receiver assignments.

Against the Bills, he allowed five completions on eight targets for 84 yards. In that game, Jackson was primarily marking Buffalo’s top receiver Stefon Diggs. Jackson also had an interception.

Against the Jets, he allowed four completions on nine targets for 97 yards, and two touchdowns. He also notched another pick.

The way it looks, with Gilmore missing practice Thursday, Jackson could get another crack to show he can handle the top corner job Sunday night against the Ravens.

Speaking with Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Ty Law Thursday, he said he has been impressed with the third-year cornerback. But as the saying goes, let’s not put the cart before the horse.

From a football perspective, it’s hard to replace what Gilmore does, eliminating one side of the field. While Jackson is good, he hasn’t reached elite status.

“You’re now seeing the difference in the defense when (Gilmore) is not on the field,” Law said of Gilmore. “You can’t expect Jackson or anyone to go out there and do the same things Stephon Gilmore does. Those are big shoes to fill.

“I’m not saying that he can’t,” Law went on with respect to Jackson, “but I think expectations-wise, until he proves it, you’ve got to let him mature (into the top role).”

With Gilmore having one year left on his deal, the Patriots are likely on a fact-finding mission with Jackson, and seeing if has the capability and makeup to be the next top corner.

It’s also possible they know the answer already.

The Patriots reportedly entertained offers for Gilmore before the trade deadline, but didn’t get the return they were looking for. They still might be inclined to peddle the cornerback during the offseason.

And Jackson could take over Gilmore’s spot.

While Jackson has struggled of late, what’s been most impressive is his ability to bounce back after being beaten. After struggling most of the night against the Jets, Jackson came up with a pivotal fourth-quarter interception that helped get the Patriots back in the game.

Another former Patriot, Rodney Harrison, pointed out Gilmore has had an off year by his standards, and likes what he’s seen from Jackson, who has a league-leading five interceptions. He’s already matched his total from last year.

“I was proud of how he bounced back (against the Jets). He was having a hard time, got beat on a couple bad plays,” said Harrison, now an NBC analyst. “To be able to step up and make that type of play in a prime-time game after kind of getting your lunch handed to you, I was proud of the way he bounced back. To me, that’s what I look for. Corners are going to get beat. It’s how you bounce back.”

The Patriots Hall of Fame safety said Jackson reminds him a bit of Malcolm Butler, with his competitiveness and bounce-back ability. Like Law, Harrison believes Jackson could be a cornerstone for the Patriots at the position.

Said Harrison: “I think he’s more than capable of being a No. 1 corner.”

The Patriots gave Gilmore a $5 million pay bump before the season, but with another season left on his deal, it’s tough imagining the Patriots offering a top money extension for a cornerback who turns 31 next year.

Law, who is now in the vodka business with his V-One Vodka brand, certainly understands the dynamic. With a cap charge of $12.5 million due for Law, the Patriots released him in 2005. And that was after winning three championships with the team.

While Law didn’t want to draw any parallels, or speak for Gilmore, who has been a part of one Super Bowl winner, he understands how it works in Foxborough.

“They do their business a certain way, and Stephon has to do business for himself. Hopefully they’ll find a way to get it done and see the value in him,” said Law. “But it depends if they’re in rebuild mode, or they’re trying to catch another championship. I think that’ll determine a lot, as far as what happens with Stephon, whether they sign him to a new contract or trade him.”

For now, though, all eyes are on Jackson to see if he’s up to the challenge. On Sunday, that means making sure Marquise Brown doesn’t wreak havoc and ruin the chances of a Patriots win if Gilmore doesn’t play.

THE PATRIOTS listed 17 players as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens.

Gilmore and wide receiver N’Keal Harry were the headliners on Friday’s injury report. Gilmore returned to practice Friday, along with fellow defensive backs Jonathan Jones and Terrence Brooks, after all three missed practice Thursday. Jones and Brooks were out because of illness.

Harry practiced all week in a limited capacity. He missed the last two games because of a concussion.

RAVENS DEFENSIVE END Calais Campbell will not play against the Patriots, Baltimore Coach John Harbaugh said.

Campbell did not practice this week after suffering a calf strain on the third play from scrimmage in the team’s 24-10 win Sunday over the Indianapolis Colts.

Harbaugh also said cornerback Jimmy Smith (ankle), who did not practice this week, has a “low” chance of playing.

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