New England Patriots - NESN.com
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez started practicing again this week, and a return against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 suddenly seemed possible. Until … it wasn’t. Shortly after 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, New England officially ruled out Gonzalez for Sunday’s battle.
Gonzalez’ absence means an already-struggling Patriots secondary will be under immense pressure as it tries to contain Aaron Rodgers. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins and cornerback Carlton Davis III have been serviceable for New England, but someone else will need to level up on Sunday to prevent Rodgers from picking apart the Patriots’ defense.
Rodgers has already established chemistry with Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, a development that the rest of the AFC isn’t happy about. The Patriots will be challenged by Metcalf’s immense physicality, but they should really focus on limiting his yards after catch, an area where Metcalf excelled in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
Meanwhile, Gonzalez will have another week to strengthen his hamstring before possibly playing in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. Perhaps its ultimately best for Gonzalez to return against a less formidable opponent, but that doesn’t lessen the sting of disappointment for Patriots fans who were hoping to see the star debut this week.
In related news, Mike Tomlin has a 3-0 career record against Mike Vrabel, something New England would love to help Vrabel change on Sunday.
If the Patriots were able to pull off a second-consecutive victory — against a marquee franchise, no less — optimism in New England’s fan base would rise to intense levels. It’s a glorious opportunity for the Pats to make a statement at Gillette Stadium.
