Amidst the Descending Patriots Defense, Christian Gonzalez Proceeds with Ascendancy
Amidst the Descending Patriots Defense, Christian Gonzalez Proceeds with Ascendancy
The protective shield that kept the New England Patriots competitive in games last year is no longer present.
However, Christian Gonzalez is. The 22-year-old cornerback has continued to make a mark in losses. He did so once more on a Sunday afternoon, contributing to a 30-17 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals.
"He's our top defensive player, and he showed that yesterday," Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters during his Monday video call. "He's a guy who fights hard in every play and performed well for us."
Marvin Harrison Jr. was assigned to him next. The rookie wide receiver from Ohio State was closely watched at State Farm Stadium early on. While a mesh concept on the opening drive generated traffic and a 23-yard gain across the middle, only one catch not nullified by a penalty followed. But not against No. 0.
"He's a great receiver and that's their go-to guy, so they will target him," Gonzalez said of Harrison during his postgame press conference. "I told him after the game that he's the real deal. He has all the tools to be great. It was an enjoyable matchup. I enjoyed it and maybe we'll meet again."
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray completed 76.6% of his passes on Sunday. The former Heisman Trophy winner tossed five passes into that specific matchup. The next four between the 6-foot-4, 205-pound wideout and 6-foot-1, 205-pound corner hit the ground.
There was a diving incompletion on a wheel route down the left sideline to force a punt team. There were also chases to the right side of the end zone. But with 36 seconds and 25 seconds to go prior to halftime, respectively, these chases ended in field goals for Arizona. The result remained the same with 9:17 left in the third quarter.
A third-and-6, first-and-10, third-and-6, and third-and-5 were all successful for Gonzalez, who broke up a trio of throws and prevented touchdowns in the process. His only other reception allowed, according to Pro Football Focus, went to James Conner on a day the veteran running back scored twice and surpassed the 100-yard mark on the ground.
"I welcome the challenge," Gonzalez said of facing opposition in the end zone. "That's what it's like being a cornerback. You want them to throw at you. You want to make plays for the team. When they throw it, you try to make the plays that come your way."
Selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Gonzalez's rookie season ended on injured reserve due to shoulder surgery as October approached. The transfer from Colorado to Oregon started all four games and remained on the field for every defensive snap until suffering a torn labrum. Facing off against the talent of DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson, and CeeDee Lamb, his first career sack and interception were earned. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors, too.
Now a Pro Bowl candidate, Gonzalez has started every game this campaign for the 3-11 Patriots. He has played 98% of the defensive snaps, leading a regressed unit with 27 sacks and 11 takeaways while allowing 7.4 yards per pass attempt, 4.4 yards per rush attempt, and 24.1 points per game.
Along the way have come 57 tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery returned for 63 yards and a touchdown.
"I'm not too worried about my individual performance," Gonzalez said, despite the Patriots losing their fourth straight game. "I want to win, so whatever the personal stats are, it's what it is. I want to win."
The AFC East champion Buffalo Bills are next. The Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff at Highmark Stadium is set.
- Jerod Mayo commended Christian Gonzalez's performance against the Arizona Cardinals, stating, "He's our top defensive player, and he showed that yesterday."
- In the matchup between Marvin Harrison Jr. and Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots cornerback prevented several potential touchdowns, breaking up three throws and allowing only one reception to the rookie wide receiver from Ohio State.
- Despite the New England Patriots' losing streak, James Conner, a running back from the Arizona Cardinals, fared well against their defense, scoring twice and surpassing the 100-yard mark on the ground.