Patriots
The Patriots defense regressed badly in 2024.
Entering Week 14 with the Twenty first-ranked defense averaging 23.6 points per game, the Patriots continued to go downhill in a 30-17 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.
New England gave up 395 total yards to the Cardinals, including 163 rushing yards. While the Patriots offense did not move the chains on six third-down opportunities, the Cardinals went 10 for 15 on third-down opportunities.
It was a one-sided loss for New England, as two fourth-quarter touchdowns from Drake Maye made it look like Sunday's rating was barely competitive.
But the Patriots' latest loss could have was a good larger defeat if it hadn't been for the one brilliant spot on New England's defense: second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
In a Patriots defense stricken by several underperforming veterans and an absence of proven playmakers, Gonzalez has been a magic eraser relating to stealing opposing teams' best pass-catchers in 2024.
The 2023 first-round pick (No. 17 overall) has already shut down several top receivers this season and won head-to-head matchups against players like Ja'Marr Chase, Garrett Wilson and Tyreek Hill.
Sunday's game begins at State Farm Stadium, Gonzalez Allowed a passer rating of 71.8 and 56.8% when targetedsaid Andrew Callahan.
Sunday was Gonzlaez's test against Arizona's top wideout: 2024 first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 4 overall).
Harrison — who was a pick after New England chosen Maye — put together a robust rookie campaign for the Cardinals with seven touchdowns this yr.
But against Gonzalez, Arizona's top pass catcher was mostly stuck within the mud.
According to Patriots.com Evan Lazar Gonzalez shadowed Harrison on 21 routes on Sunday – with Harrison managing only one catch for 23 yards on five targets on three pass breakups.
Two of those pass breakups got Arizona eight points off the board, as Gonzalez canceled out two Cardinals touchdowns within the second and third quarters by passing the ball to Harrison in the long run zone.
“I invite you to do that,” Gonzalez said of Arizona QB Kyler Murray targeting Harrison Jr. in the long run zone. “That’s what a corner is. You want them to get in your way. You want to be able to play for your team. When they throw it, try to make the plays that come your way.”
On each splits – which got here on third-down plays – the Cardinals needed to accept field goals through the leg of Chad Ryland.
Gonzalez's plays against Harrison weren't enough to vary New England's fortunes in Glendale, but it surely did confirm that the second-year corner is considered one of the few cornerstones value constructing around in Foxborough.
Despite Gonzalez's recent lockdown performance against a talented receiver, the previous Oregon Duck wasn't particularly focused on his individual game after one other loss.
“I’m not really worried about it,” Gonzalez said of his playing performance. “I want to win. Whatever the personal stats are, it is what it is, but I want to win.”
If New England goes to take anything remotely positive from this season, it revolves across the promise that each Gonzalez on defense and Maye on offense have shown.
A franchise QB and a lockdown corner are two essential pieces of the puzzle if New England hopes to construct a competitive roster within the near future.
But as Sunday's loss showed, New England needs rather more than simply strong performances from Gonzalez and Maye (19 of 23, 202 passing yards, one touchdown) if it desires to get back on the winning list.
“I mean, it hurts, but we just went to work,” Gonzalez said of moving forward. “I mean, it is what it is. And all we can do is work. I mean, no one really cares. We just have to work harder. So go back in the building, fix this play and get ready for the Bills.”
image credit : www.boston.com