NFL Insider says Christian Gonzalez is set up for a ‘really big year’
There have been reports about Gonzalez's training camp struggles. The Patriots aren't concerned, one insider says.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has big expectations as he heads into his second NFL season.
He is coming off of a shoulder injury that ended his rookie season prematurely, and is looking to pick up where he left off after a successful four-game stretch that earned him Rookie of the Month honors.
Some reporters have expressed concerns over Gonzalez’s performance during this training camp. He has given up a considerable amount of catches and hasn’t made too many flashy plays.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said that the Patriots are optimistic about Gonzalez’s outlook despite the reports.
“Having talked to a handful of people inside the organization about this, they actually think Christian Gonzalez is set up for a really big year,” Breer said, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston. “They’ve tried to challenge him in different ways in camp and develop him as a No. 1 corner. Now, how do you do that? You do that by creating difficult matchups for him, by creating different situations for him in training camp.”
Gonzalez’s length and manner of moving could lead observers to misjudge his effort level, Breer said.
“I think what happens with him — and this is something a couple guys brought up to me — I’m not comparing him to Randy Moss as an athlete, but there are certain guys who are smooth movers that way, and he’s one of these guys that’s taller, that’s longer, that sometimes it doesn’t even look like he’s making much of an effort when he’s kind of just gliding down the field.
“So, I can tell you there’s not a whole lot of concern from the people that I talked to in the organization about Christian Gonzalez. They think he’s one of the very best players on the team.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com