...
By Anne Erickson
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The New England Patriots have things riding on Drake Maye.
He's their quarterback of today. And of the future. They hope he can finally give them the franchise quarterback they've been looking for.
But it's not just Maye. Who's the most important non-quarterback on the roster? Christian Gonzalez.
Read More on NFL
The Patriots have built some of the NFL's best defenses over time. They've almost always had a cornerback capable of changing the vibe on the field for the better. Gonzalez has become that player. He doesn't just cover receivers. He erases options from the quarterback's playbook.
That's a rare skill in today's NFL.
More sports: Next to Matthew Stafford, Rams’ Offense Rests on One Player
...
Every week, Gonzalez is asked to line up against the opposing team's best receiver, and more often than not, he delivers. His combination of size, athleticism and instincts allows him to stay glued to some of the league's best playmakers.
Those responsibilities don't always produce flashy statistics, but they have a massive impact on winning football games.
Gonzalez's emergence as one of the league's premier corners has given the Patriots a foundation they can build around. His Pro Bowl campaign was huge with 69 tackles and 20 passes defended.
There are other players who deserve recognition. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore can dominate the line of scrimmage.
More news: Chargers’ Most Important Player, Next to Justin Herbert, is a Showstopper
Still, Gonzalez plays one of the hardest positions in football, and he does it at an elite level.
The Patriots are hoping Maye develops into the face of the franchise for years to come. Having a cornerback who can eliminate an opponent's top receiving threat gives New England a chance every Sunday, regardless of who's on the other sideline.
If the Patriots are going to take the next step in 2026, Gonzalez will be every bit as important as the quarterback.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines