The Patriots enter week four with a 1-2 record and a lot of questions to be answered. The offense has been shaky at best, though Mac Jones himself looks better than last year. The team as a whole has two tough losses and one ugly win. With that said, the one bright spot that continues to shine is the defense and most specifically, rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez. All signs are looking like the Patriots landed a star in the making.
Week One
As the Patriots finished up training camp, there were questions of exactly what role Gonzalez would have early into the season. The team had Jon Jones as their top corner last season, and they were returning 2022 draft picks Jack Jones and Marcus Jones along with veterans Myles Bryant and Jalen Mills. It was reasonable to think Gonzalez might not be a full-time player right away. Fast forward to week one and Jack Jones was put on IR with an injury. Gonzalez was immediately looked to, to fill his role.
He finished week one playing 100% of defensive snaps and spending most of the game matched up against one of the elite WRs in football, AJ Brown. Gonzalez was up to the challenge. He didn’t look over-matched and played as well as most anyone could hope for, for a player in their NFL debut. He finished week one with seven tackles, one sack, one TFL, and 1 PBU.
Week Two
Week two came along, and Gonzalez went from covering one elite receiver to another. Working against the talents of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. With Jon Jones out with an ankle injury, Gonzalez again stepped up and even shined. Gonzalez allowed three catches on five targets and earned his first interception of his career. He finished the game earning the highest-rated week two CB according to Pro Football Focus.
Week Three
Week three followed and Gonzalez looked to again step up with Jon Jones, Marcus Jones, and Jack Jones out. Lining up primarily across from Garrett Wilson, Gonzalez allowed a measly 18 yards on three catches.
Through the first three weeks of his career, Gonzalez has lined up man to man on five of the best wide receivers in football.
- AJ Brown – 19 routes, 4 receptions, 47 yards
- Devonta Smith – 11 routes, 2 receptions, 22 yards, PBU
- Tyreek Hill – 17 routes, 0 receptions, INT
- Jaylen Waddle – 4 routes, 1 reception, 15 yards
- Garrett Wilson – 23 routes, 3 receptions, 18 yards
It can’t go unnoticed what Patriots fans are witnessing over this first month of the 2023 NFL season. A star is being born and it’s just the beginning. There’s a lot of distaste for Bill Belichick’s lack of commitment to address the Patriots’ offense and that in part involves using their first-round pick on defense instead of a wide receiver or tackle. Nevertheless, I think almost everyone is happy about the idea of having Gonzalez around for years to come. A lockdown corner is a massive asset and the Patriots look to have one.
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Featured Image: Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
