Despite all the talk surrounding their schedule, the New England Patriots' Cinderella story continues, with the team squaring off against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. Even after conquering the AFC, many believe that the Patriots will not only lose but be overwhelmed by the Seahawks.
If there’s anything Patriots fans have learned from the team’s 11 Super Bowl appearances in the 21st century, it’s that anything can happen. Of several key factors that’ll be crucial for the Patriots to secure their seventh Lombardi Trophy, none is more important than the play of cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The Pro Bowler will have the difficult task of containing Seattle’s talented group of receivers, led by wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Patriots Must Consider Matching Up Gonzalez with Smith-Njigba
Looking back at the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning teams, the majority of them have received huge contributions from their cornerbacks. From Ty Law’s pick-six against the then St. Louis Rams to Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore sealing their last Super Bowl win with a late interception, Patriots’ cornerbacks have consistently risen to the occasion.
These plays not only cemented a Super Bowl victory but also stamped their legacies into Patriots’ history forever. If the Patriots are to increase their chances of winning, Gonzalez must prove that he’s ready for his moment and deliver a legacy-defining performance.
For this to happen, the Patriots must task Gonzalez with shadowing Smith-Njigba, which they haven’t done much of this season. Gonzalez primarily defends one side of the field, where he’s been exceptional, allowing just 45 receptions on 101 targets for 482 yards and one touchdown.
Although Gonzalez has locked up nearly every receiver he’s lined up against, he hasn’t faced anyone as dominant as Smith-Njigba has been this season. Undoubtedly, Smith-Njigba has been the best receiver this season, and his stats back it up. He ranked fourth in receptions (119), led the league in receiving yards (1,793), and had nine games with at least 100 receiving yards.
He and quarterback Sam Darnold have quickly emerged as a lethal tandem, which has played a significant part in their Super Bowl run. The Seahawks will likely lean on the duo in the Super Bowl with running back Zach Charbonnet sidelined with an injury.
That approach was on display in Seattle's NFC Championship victory against the Los Angeles Rams, as it relied on its pass-heavy game plan. Smith-Njigba torched the Rams, finishing with 10 receptions for 153 yards and one touchdown while the run game managed just 75 rushing yards.
With Seattle’s success relying heavily on Smith-Njigba’s heroics, it’s crucial that the Patriots put their best defensive player on him. While Gonzalez doesn’t have to shut Smith-Njigba out completely, he should limit explosive plays and force Darnold and the Seahawks to get him involved on quick, short throws.
If Gonzalez can neutralize Smith-Njigba’s big play ability, it forces Darnold to look elsewhere and rely on other receivers to make plays, which is exactly what the Patriots want. These position matchups end up playing a huge factor in deciding who wins the Super Bowl, which is why Gonzalez must take on the challenge if he’s really the elite corner he says he is.
Not only does this ultimately play a role in who ends up victorious, but it also will weigh into the team's offseason plans, as Gonzalez is eligible to sign his rookie extension. If Gonzalez is to reset the market and make himself the highest-paid corner, he must prove himself on the biggest stage.