New England Patriots - NESN.com
One of the interesting matchups during Monday night’s New England Patriots-New York Giants game will be Giants QB Jaxson Dart against Christian Gonzalez and the rest of New England’s secondary.
Dart was announced as New York’s starter on Friday after clearing concussion protocol the day prior. The rookie gunslinger has shown a ton of potential this season, and the Patriots defense will have its work cut out if Dart brings his A game to Monday Night Football. Gonzalez talked about Dart a little bit with the big game just a couple of days away.
“He’s good,” Gonzalez said. “He’s able to extend a lot of plays… Can make a lot of plays with his feet… He’s able to make a lot of throws. He has real good arm talent… He provides a challenge and we’re excited for it.”
Gonzalez and the Patriots sit at 10-2, atop the AFC East under Mike Vrabel, with Gonzalez serving as the secondary’s cornerstone. The third-year cornerback, absent for the first three games due to a hamstring issue from training camp, has started all nine contests since his return, amassing 43 tackles (33 solo), seven pass breakups, and zero touchdowns allowed while limiting opponents to a 45.8 passer rating on 52 targets.
Gonzalez’s tenacity shone in recent matchups, including a Week 10 performance at Tampa Bay, where he restricted rookie Emeka Egbuka to 28 yards. He capped a nine-game win streak with five solo tackles and a pass breakup in a rout of the Jets on November 13.
As Foxborough eyes a deep playoff run, Gonzalez’s elite coverage keeps opponents guessing, and Dart could be the next quarterback to find that out.
