CINCINNATI — Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez picked up where he left off last season in Sunday’s 16-10 win over the Bengals.
Gonzalez, who missed most of last season with a torn labrum suffered in Week 4, continued his 2023 trend of limiting top wide receivers Sunday against Ja’Marr Chase. The Patriots’ top cornerback shadowed Chase on most plays and limited the Pro Bowl receiver to just three catches for 15 yards. Chase also caught a 28-yard pass against zone with safety Jabrill Peppers as the nearest defender, a 10-yard pass against zone with linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley as the nearest defender and a 9-yard pass with Jonathan Jones as the nearest defender.
“I feel that we executed what we wanted to do,” Gonzalez said. “There were some plays we left out there. Obviously, there’s never a perfect game — we’ll get to the film and watch it. Personally, I feel like I did good. It was a fun matchup — he’s one of the best receivers in the league. So, it was fun.”
The Patriots benefitted from Bengals other top wideout Tee Higgins being out with a hamstring injury. If Higgins has played, it could have complicated the Patriots’ matchups.
Chase is the first of many tests Gonzalez will face this season. In just the next five weeks, they’ll face DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
“That’s what you want being a corner — that’s the dream,” Gonzalez said of facing top wide receivers. “So being able to do that is fun.”
Safety Kyle Dugger and long snapper Joe Cardona allowed the Patriots to win the turnover battle with key forced fumbles. Dugger credited Mayo. “That’s something Coach Mayo stresses from top down, punching at the ball play after play even in routine plays, punching at the ball.” Cardona’s strip came after what he called a “great punt” by Bryce Baringer. “(I) was fortunate to make a play to help the team win.” … Cardona, a captain, said he was “super proud” of how the special teams performed. Kicker Joey Slye was 3-of-3 on field goals and 1-of-1 on extra points, and top special-teamer Brenden Schooler had three tackles.