The Patriots came away from Week 2 with the first win of the Mike Vrabel era, moving their record to 1-1 with Pittsburgh looming in Week 3. While beating the Dolphins, 33-27, is certainly a positive, there’s little doubt that this team is still a long way from being the playoff-ready up-and-comer many were hoping to see after two 4-13 seasons.
While critical mistakes and sloppy play plagued the team for the second straight week, the hope is that those issues can be ironed out as the overhauled roster begins to jell. And on one of the biggest issues for the Patriots through two weeks of the season–the pass defense–there could be an even faster solution. Christian Gonzalez could be back on the field for Week 3.
“It’s a chance,” Vrabel said on Monday. “I mean, there’s a chance that a lot of things could happen, and it’s Monday, we’ll figure out how he progresses along the week, we’ll see what he can do and have him do what he can do.”
Christian Gonzalez Injured Hamstring in Training Camp
Gonzalez injured his hamstring early in late July in training camp and didn’t return to the field. He didn’t play in any of the Patriots’ preseason games and hasn’t been a factor in practice up until this point. He was expected to be ready for Week 1, so it is a surprise that he’s not a definite to go in Week 3.
Without him, the Patriots have not been able to play the type of defense they’d planned to play, with Gonzalez and cornerback Carlton Davis serving as shutdown corners.
“The Patriots built their defense to play a lot of man coverage, with Gonzalez against one wide receiver and high-priced free-agent addition Carlton Davis against the other,” Patriots beat writer Chad Graff wrote for The Athletic. “Without Gonzalez, however, the Pats may have to change plans.”
Patriots D Struggling in Coverage
The new plan hasn’t looked great. While the team has had luck getting pressure on the quarterback, with seven sacks in two games, the coverage has been shoddy. Geno Smith lit up the defense for 362 yards on 24-for-34 passing in Week 1. Tua Tagovailoa was 26-for-32 for 315 yards passing in Week 2.
The Patriots started Alex Austin in place of Gonzalez in Week 1, and Marcus Jones in Week 2. Both are a big drop-off from Gonzalez.
Next up is Aaron Rodgers, a player Vrabel actually faced back in 2006. Rodgers was excellent against the Jets in Week 1, going for 244 yards and four touchdowns but was just 18-for-33 with two interceptions and 203 yards in Week 2 vs. the Seahawks.
Gonzalez could be out there. “Yeah, he’s continuing to improve, working hard and trying to get back,” Vrabel said.
Patriots’ Vrabel: ‘There’s a Chance’ Christian Gonzalez Plays Week 3