The New England Patriots had just one Pro Bowler for the 2024 season in special teamer Brenden Schooler.
The representatives from the AFC notably did not include Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. That list instead featured Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey and Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
Now, New England obviously used to light up this roster during the dynasty years. The Patriots had three different seasons with eight selections under Bill Belichick. We don’t have to sit here and say that era is over. The play on the field shows that already.
The issue is when New England does have an elite talent (which is rare on the current roster), that player could hurt from the lack of the national spotlight. Imagine saying that just five years ago.
The Patriots played just one primetime game on their schedule this season in a Week 3 loss to the New York Jets. New England deservingly got relegated from national attention in a second straight season where wins could be counted on one hand. As a result, the national understanding of just how great Gonzalez is for the Patriots is likely nonexistent.
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The second-year cornerback has a pair of interceptions on the year, returned a fumble for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins and averages just 33 yards per game allowed against an elite slate of opposing receivers. Only two touchdowns went against Gonzalez this season as a rare bright spot in a regressing Patriots defense.
Gonzalez is capable of winning Defensive Player of the Year in his future. The Patriots developed cornerbacks to do just that not too long ago. The lineage at the position can continue with Gonzalez, but New England needs to play to a higher lineage to validate national respect for its 2023 first-rounder.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
