Gonzalez is one of two Patriots getting the honor.
Despite being one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, Christian Gonzalez did not get voted to the Pro Bowl. However, as head coach Jerod Mayo himself pointed out on Friday, there’s still the All-Pro designation to be handed out as well.
Whether he makes it or not remains to be seen, but one analyst has him as a player worthy of the designation. SB Nation’s J.P. Acosta had Gonzalez as one of three first-team selections at cornerback alongside Patrick Surtain II and Marlon Humphrey.
Christian Gonzalez gets his flowers
If the New England Patriots were 6-11 instead of 3-13, we’d be talking about Christian Gonzalez more as one of the three best corners in the sport. Week in and week out he’s given the task of handling the best receiver on the opposing team, and week in and week out he does an amazing job. The Patriots play more man coverage than any other team in the league, and Gonzalez is out on an island more than anyone else, but he’s consistently held the best receivers to subpar performances. He was left off the Pro Bowl roster, but he makes first-team All-Pro for me.
Gonzalez, who has shadowed opposing No. 1 wide receivers at the highest rate of all NFL cornerbacks, is not the only All-Pro on that particular ballot. Pro Bowl special teamer Brenden Schooler also is mentioned as a first-team performer.