The New England Patriots have, on paper, an improved defense entering the 2025 season with head coach Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator Terrell Williams and an overhauled unit with several free-agent investments.
The group features a young star in Christian Gonzalez. The third-year cornerback out of Oregon showed he can lock up top receivers. The problem for New England is a mysterious hamstring injury kept him sidelined most of this summer.
Just days before the season starts in Week 1, Gonzalez's availability for the Patriots against the Las Vegas Raiders is unknown.
If Gonzalez needs beyond Week 1 to get ready, New England could be in trouble.
Now, the unit can survive Week 1 despite talented Raiders pass-catchers in receivers Amari Cooper, Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers. Moving forward, however, New England's opponents have No. 1 receivers that Gonzalez needs to follow.
The Miami Dolphins host the Patriots in Week 2 with speedy receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Pittsburgh Steelers then visit New England in Week 3 with the new duo of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wideout D.K. Metcalf.
To get the best out of a defense with potential upside, Gonzalez needs to be on the field regularly for the Patriots. The Patriots simply can't afford to be without him for multiple weeks as they look to take a big step forward after last season. Will New England have their star corner to start the season?
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