The fourth day of summer practice has come to an end for the New England Patriots, and it’s time to clean out the notebook as we head into Day 5.
Christian Gonzalez, the young cornerback, is really pushing the Patriots’ wide receivers to perform at their best during practice. His lockdown defense is a challenge for the pass catchers, as they know they have to bring their A-game to compete against him.
Rookie Javon Baker had high praise for Gonzalez, saying, “Christian’s just an all-around good corner. He’s a technician, so you just really have to play with him a little bit and be a technician with him.”
Expectations are soaring for Gonzalez in his second year with the team. Despite only playing in four games last season due to a shoulder injury, he has shown immense talent and potential. Many believe he is on track to make a significant leap to become an elite cornerback in the upcoming season.
Gonzalez’s presence on the field is pushing the Patriots’ wide receivers to excel. Kayshon Boutte, a second-year player, showcased his skills on Sunday with an impressive catch against Gonzalez during a 1-on-1 drill.
“Gonzo’s one of the more patient corners, so you have to do a lot of things to beat him,” Boutte said after practice. “I think when I gave him the stutter at 10 yards, he was thinking I was going to come back on a comeback. But he played my low shoulder, so it was just late hands, over-the-top catch.”
While the circumstances of the drill may favor the receiver, it’s still a positive sign to see Boutte stepping up his game against such tough competition in Gonzalez.
As we reflect on the day’s practice, it’s evident that Gonzalez’s presence is pushing the Patriots’ young wide receivers to elevate their game. With Day 5 on the horizon, we can expect the competition to continue heating up as the team prepares for the upcoming season.