Patriots
“That’s what it is as a corner. You want them to throw your way.”
The Patriots’ defense has severely regressed in 2024.
Entering Week 14 with the 21st-ranked defense at 23.6 points allowed per game, things continued to erode for the Patriots in Sunday’s 30-17 loss to the Cardinals.
New England relinquished 395 total yards to the Cardinals, including 163 rushing yards. While the Patriots offense didn’t move the chains on six third-down opportunities, the Cardinals went 10-for-15 on third-down chances.
It was a lopsided loss for New England, with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns from Drake Maye creating the illusion that Sunday’s result was slightly competitive.
But the Patriots’ latest loss could have devolved into an even greater blowout defeat had it not been for the one silver lining on New England’s defense: second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
On a Patriots’ defense marred by several underperforming veterans and a dearth of proven playmakers, Gonzalez has been a magic eraser when it comes to taking away opposing teams’ top pass-catchers in 2024.
The 2023 first-round pick (No. 17 overall) has already shut down several top receivers this season — winning head-to-head matchups against the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Garrett Wilson, and Tyreek Hill.
Entering Sunday’s game at State Farm Stadium, Gonzalez allowed a 71.8 passer rating and 56.8% when targeted, according to the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan.
Sunday marked the test for Gonzlaez against Arizona’s top wideout: 2024 first-round pick (No. 4 overall) Marvin Harrison Jr.
Harrison — taken one pick after New England selected Maye — has put together a strong rookie campaign for the Cardinals with seven touchdowns on the year.
But…