Patriots Cornerback Allows 187 Yards in Packers Loss

Christian Gonzalez allowed 187 passing yards against Green Bay on Sunday, the third-most by any defender in coverage this season. The New England Patriots lost the game 45-27.

According to Pro Football Focus, Gonzalez gave up 10 receptions on 11 targets for 187 yards, including 40 yards after the catch. He recorded only one pass breakup and allowed one touchdown.

Matthew Golden and Christian Watson combined for 335 receiving yards against the Patriots' defense. The two wide receivers had seven plays of more than 20 yards. Jordan Love, the Packers quarterback, finished with 372 passing yards.

Golden had a dominant first quarter. He caught six passes on six targets for 126 yards and a touchdown. He finished the game with a career-high 164 yards on 10 receptions. Watson also set a career high with 171 yards on seven catches and a score.

NFL Next Gen Stats data shows Gonzalez became the only defender since at least 2018 to allow more than 80 receiving yards to two different players in the same game. With Gonzalez in coverage, Golden caught seven passes for 105 yards. Watson caught three passes for 82 yards against him.

The game started poorly for New England. Drake Maye threw an interception on the second play of the contest. Green Bay took possession at the Patriots' 14-yard line. Two plays later, Love ran for a touchdown to establish an early 7-0 lead.

Gonzalez had a strong start to the season. In his six other appearances, he allowed a combined 196 yards. He missed two games with a shoulder injury. He previously held up well against Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson earlier in the year.

The Patriots lost Carlton Davis to a knee injury at the end of the second quarter. Davis walked off the field gingerly and did not return. He was seen moving slowly through the locker room after the game.

Head coach Mike Vrabel said the team expects more from its best players. He noted that when those players do not play well, the team has little chance to win. Vrabel also pointed out that the Packers benched their starters in the fourth quarter because the lead was large.

Gonzalez said his opponents simply got the best of him. He stated that he is not shaken up by the performance and will move on. The Patriots travel to Munich next week to play the Detroit Lions.