New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was candid after Sunday’s 45-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He touched on the play of cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who had one of the toughest outings of his NFL career.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the star defensive back allowed seven receptions for 105 yards to Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden and three receptions for 82 yards to Christian Watson. He is the only defender since at least 2018 to allow more than 80 receiving yards to two different players in the same game.
"You can't take a nap in this league, and you have to be, whoever the receivers are, especially the good ones, you have to play with great technique," Vrabel said on Gonzalez. "...I think it's about answering the challenge
this week, and then coming back. And I mean again to play corner in this league you got to have a short memory whether that's on the good plays or the negative ones and I'm confident that he will."
Mike Vrabel on Christian Gonzalez:
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) November 9, 2026
"You can't take a nap in this league, and you have to be, whoever the receivers are, especially the good ones, you have to play with great technique... I think it's about answering the challenge this week, and then coming back. And I mean again…
Sunday was a day when everything went wrong for the Patriots, and this might have been the worst performance of Gonzalez's career. One has to think the disappointment from the performance will sting and light a fire under him the rest of the way.
The Patriots' season likely depends on it.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel sends strong message to Christian Gonzalez
