Christian Gonzalez Embraces Intense Competition With A.j. Brown

Competition between the New England Patriots offense and defense is a common theme throughout training camp this week, especially between two of New England’s biggest stars: Christian Gonzalez and A.J. Brown.

During a two-on-two period with the defensive backs and wide receivers at Thursday’s practice, Maye lofted a pass to Brown in the red zone as his receiver ran a corner route. Gonzalez, in coverage, broke up the attempt and waved his hands in the air to celebrate his victory on the rep before pointing at a nearby camera.

Both players then spoke to each other as the position groups walked back to the sideline, which later escalated into a brief face-to-face confrontation. Fourth-year receiver Kayshon Boutte was among those who separated the two, pulling Brown away.

“I mean, it’s good on good,” Gonzalez said after practice of his matchup with Brown. You know, he’s a number one receiver in this league, going up against a number one corner. I mean, that’s how it’s going to go. It’s football at the end of the day. There’s never any disrespect or anything. We’re just battling and getting each other better. 

“He’s going to face corners like that who are going to yap at him and going to try to get in his head. And I’m going to face receivers like that who are strong and come right back at me. So it’s great work for the both of us.”

The competition between Gonzalez and Brown has been a familiar sight this summer during team periods and positional one-on-ones as the teammates regularly exchange friendly banter.

Media members got a close look at the competitive spirit among this Patriots roster when Monday’s practice moved into the field bubble and player conversations echoed. It’s something head coach Mike Vrabel welcomes as long as the trash talk is “authentic” and players don’t lose focus of their assignments.

“I think the competitiveness has been great,” Vrabel said on Tuesday. “I want that. I think we need that. I think that’s part of building a team, but then also the line that we take [the players] to is being able to take care of each other. We’re not throwing punches. We’re not into that … But I’m all for the energy and the trash talk and the back and forth and being able to get back and then do your job.”

Gonzalez, despite “everybody” thinking he’s quiet on the field, says he does talk a little and acknowledges that his competition with Brown brings some of that trash talk out of him.

“Oh, for sure,” the cornerback said. “I mean, this competition is how you get better, how [Brown] can get better [and] how I can get better — the defense and team. It all comes together. [It’s] the dog days at camp … [We’re] about to start getting into [joint practices], and now we’re really into camp. So, I mean, of course tempers are going to flare. Everybody’s hot and wants to be the best.”

The 24-year-old added that he hasn’t been more talkative this summer; it just depends on the day of practice.

“In practice, it comes out a little more just because [you’re] getting a little more rest in a game,” Gonzalez said about whether he enjoys the trash talk or prefers to be quieter. “It’s moving a lot faster. The speed is faster. I’m a little more tired, winded in the game. But, I mean, there’s a little bit of both. 

“I like to figure out how to attack a receiver. Not every receiver you can talk to. Some receivers get more mad if you don’t say anything to them. So it’s a battle. You get used to going up against guys and trying to figure out how you can get an edge on them.”

Entering his fourth year in the league, Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

Team owner Robert Kraft revealed to the media earlier this offseason that the franchise made an offer to the 2023 first-round pick that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history and the highest-paid player in Patriots history.

Gonzalez repeatedly said Thursday that he wouldn’t get into the details of his contract. He’s said throughout the offseason that those conversations are between the team and his agents.