FOXBOROUGH – While the Patriots are still trying to figure out which quarterback will be the Week 1 starter, the defense has a few issues to solve as well.
Most of them revolve around a super tough schedule and all of the top quarterbacks Jerod Mayo’s defense has to tame.
But along with getting Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow right out of the gate, with Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence and others on deck lurking in the weeds, the Patriots also have to worry about the legion of all-world receivers who are on the 2024 docket.
The first six weeks are especially brutal.
Cincinnati’s JaMarr Chase and Tee Higgins are on tap Week 1. Seattle’s DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba follow Week 2; the New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams Week 3; San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk (if he’s still there) and Deebo Samuel Week 4; Miami’s Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr., Week 5, with Houston’s Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell Week 6.
And that crew is just for starters.
Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones admits he’s taken a peek at the first block of games, and what his group is going to be up against.
Christian Gonzalez, who also acknowledged that he’s looked ahead at the receivers he’s due to battle, is going to have to live up to his billing of being a top corner on one side if the defense is going to have a chance. And whether it’s Jonathan Jones, Marco Wilson or Alex Austin, they’ll have to handle the opposite side, with Marcus Jones likely in the slot.
“Depth is going to be needed in a lot of different ways,” Jonathan Jones said following Monday’s practice when asked about handling all of the top-notch receiver groups on the schedule. “We’re going to need guys to step up in a lot of different ways. I think there will be some guys that come in, rotate a lot, get some snaps early that can help us down the stretch.”
The veteran corner has missed some practice time dealing with an injury, but he’s back, says he’s feeling good and will be ready to go. He’ll likely start and play opposite Gonzalez but is prepared to move around depending on the matchups.
“At this point in my career, I’ve learned that I show up, and they say, ‘Hey, this is your job for the week,’’’ Jones said. “I just take that responsibility on. Every year, I’ve been that way whether it’s one week showing up and I’m playing safety, inside, outside, I kind of enjoy it. I like moving around. So that’s what I prepare for.”
Gonzalez hasn’t had the best camp, but he’s looked better in recent days. Squaring off against both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith during the joint practices with the Eagles was helpful.
It should be noted that Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts didn’t throw toward Gonzalez very often. He picked on the corner opposite Gonzalez. With Jonathan Jones not participating, that was typically Austin and or Wilson. Brown torched both of them, which wasn’t the best sign.
But Gonzalez picking it up – drawing the praise of A.J. Brown in the process – should help, along with the return of Jonathan Jones.
On Saturday, Gonzalez told reporters he’s already started studying the opposing receivers on the schedule. He’s been prepping for awhile, looking for tells to get a jump on the season.
“Yeah, just breaking down how each receiver moves … more of the little things, studying the mannerisms, the small little things,” Gonzalez said. “You gotta find a way, playing corner you gotta find a little extra step.”
Whether he’s locked in against Chase or Higgins, or whoever else down the road, Gonzalez’ performance will be key. Obviously, being able to generate a pass rush up front will help the defenders, but a lot is going to depend on their man-coverage skills.
As for Marcus Jones, he’s also missed practice time, but has been back in full stead the past few days. He is expected to start in the slot, but also has the capability to move around. He said he was looking forward to the challenge. While he doesn’t peek ahead too much, his family members anxiously let Marcus know who’s up next.
He enjoys going up against the best.
“I love it. That competition level,” Jones said Monday. “We definitely see a lot of good receiving corps. A lot of respect to those guys, but we’re working, too.”
The cornerback room offers a number of different skillsets. The unit has size and speed. As Jonathan Jones said, they’re going to need to utilize everything they have in the bag to keep opposing receivers in check in 2024.
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