All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez bedeviled quarterback Drake Maye and the New England Patriots offense at the first organized team activities (OTAs) practice open to media members on Tuesday.
Maye threw four interceptions to the Patriots defense, including two passes that ended up in Gonzalez’s hands. It was a dominant defensive performance from the third-year defensive back who is quickly proving himself to be one of the best in the NFL.
The scariest part for opposing teams is the fact that Gonzalez is only 22 years old with plenty of room left to improve. When asked about picking Maye off in practice, Gonzalez had a smooth four-word response to reporters.
“Got two off him,” said Gonzalez.
Christian Gonzalez: “Got two off him.”
Gonzo intercepted Drake Maye twice today pic.twitter.com/8ZboYNDCzc
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) May 20, 2025
The Patriots should be significantly improved on the defensive side of the ball, and some of those upgrades were on full display at practice. They’ve improved at every level of the defense, including in the backfield with the additions of a talented veteran in Carlton Davis III and rookie safety Craig Woodson.
The pass rush has also improved with the blockbuster signing of defensive tackle Milton Williams, along with the addition of rookie edge rusher Bradyn Swinson. All of those improvements will only make Gonzalez’s job easier in a year that he might finally break out as a superstar.
