Christian Gonzalez is an important part to the Patriots defense, and they’ve certainly missed him while he recovers from a hamstring injury.
For three-time Super Bowl champion Ty Law, he thinks the injury is only proving just how valuable Gonzalez is to the team.
“We’ve seen his value, but it’s just showing even more when he’s not out there on the field,” Law said on WEEI on Tuesday. “It’s just showing, ‘I’m hurt, they can’t replace me.’ So, he’s just adding value, and when he comes back and they improve, guess what? The Brinks truck is going to be backing up.”
Gonzalez has been sidelined since July and hasn’t practiced since getting injured. The All-Pro cornerback issued his first public comments on Tuesday, noting he and the Patriots are taking things “a step at a time.”
The 23-year-old is eligible for a contract extension next year.
It’s unclear if Gonzalez will play in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, though coach Mike Vrabel said “there’s a chance” that happens.
The defense has certainly missed Gonzalez and has felt his absence through the team’s first two games.
Alex Austin has been filing in for Gonzalez, but the Miami Dolphins exposed him several times in New England’s Week 2 win, including allowing a 47-yard pass to Tyreek Hill.
New England has also relied on Marcus Jones and Carlton Davis.
In the Patriots’ first matchup with the Dolphins last season, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went 2-of-8 for 34 yards with an interception and a pass breakup when targeting Gonzalez. He covered both Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
While the Patriots emerged victorious in Week 2, they have a tough matchup in the Steelers in Week 3. Getting Gonzalez back into the lineup would help slow down the Steelers receivers.
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