Christian Gonzalez Struggles as Patriots Scheme Disguises Strengths

New England Patriots All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez is facing criticism following recent defensive struggles, but coaching schemes may be to blame. While Gonzalez is at his best pressing receivers in man coverage, the Patriots have heavily tasked him with off-man, inverted Cover 2, and deep-third Cover 3 roles to disguise coverages. The Patriots' secondary currently ranks dead last in the league in zone coverage EPA per dropback as opposing offenses continue to exploit these alignment beaters.