Christian Gonzalez relishing ‘dream’ challenge as Ja’Marr Chase questions swirl
FOXBORO — As of Wednesday afternoon, it remained unclear whether Ja’Marr Chase would be available for the Bengals’ season opener against the Patriots on Sunday.
If he is, it’ll be nothing new for one of the young stars of New England’s defense.
Christian Gonzalez faced an elite receiver in all four games of his injury-shortened rookie season, matching up against A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson and CeeDee Lamb before tearing his labrum in early October. He navigated that gauntlet well enough to earn NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors and look the part of the Patriots’ next great cornerback.
Now fully healthy, Gonzalez will face a parade of similarly talented wideouts to open Year 2, beginning this weekend in Cincinnati.
“It’s always fun to take on that challenge, the superstars of the league,” Gonzalez said before Wednesday’s Patriots practice. “That’s what you dream to have as a corner.”
Even if Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler who’s been locked in a months-long contract dispute, does not play in Week 1, the Patriots’ secondary will face another formidable challenge in Bengals teammate Tee Higgins. Chase and Higgins have five 1,000-yard receiving seasons between them. When the duo last faced New England in 2022, they combined for 16 catches on 80 targets for 207 yards and a touchdown.
“They’ve got a two-headed monster,” said Gonzalez, who was still in college at the time. “Both super great receivers. But that’s what you love as a corner. You love just to get that challenge. So I’m looking forward to it, for sure.”
Speaking of challenges, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo admitted it’s “very difficult” to prepare for the Bengals while not knowing whether Joe Burrow’s top target will be active.
“I’ve told our guys: We’re going to prepare like he’s playing,” Mayo said. “I think you have to prepare that way. If he doesn’t play, we’ll treat it like an injury. He’s a premier player in this league, without a doubt, and we have to be ready for him.”
Veteran corner Jonathan Jones echoed Mayo’s point about preparation, then added: “If I had my bet on it, he’ll be there.”
In the weeks following the opener, the Patriots will see DK Metcalf (Week 2), Wilson (Week 3), Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel (Week 4), Hill and Jaylen Waddle (Week 5), and Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins (Week 6). It’ll be a prime opportunity for Gonzalez to validate the lofty praise he’s received from teammates and coaches as he returns to the field.
“Gonzo is a man of few words, as we all know,” Mayo said of the soft-spoken first-round draft pick. “But I’m just telling you: He has the skill set to be a premier corner in this league. I’m excited to see his continued growth and see where it goes.”
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/jgXf3Pn
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