New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo called cornerback Christian Gonzalez the best player on the defense when speaking with media members this week.
Gonzalez has been one of the few bright spots for the team this season. He has 48 tackles and two interceptions in a year where he has established himself as one of the best corners in the NFL.
The Oregon product is regularly matched up with top receivers and continues to play at a high level. When facing Arizona Cardinals wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., Gonzalez held the star rookie to only one catch for 23 yards in a matchup where he denied multiple touchdown passes.
“He’s our best player on defense,” Mayo told media members earlier in the week. “…He’s just a guy that goes out there and competes on a down-after-down basis.”
Gonzalez is a cornerstone player on defense, like quarterback Drake Maye is on the offensive side of the ball. He’s a player the team needs to build around to improve their chances of getting back to perennial playoff contention.
