'Congrats'? New England Patriots' Bill Belichick Reacts to Christian Gonzalez Award
New England Patriots rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez had quite the September.
From being the only player on the team with an interception to receiving praise from Miami Dolphins star wideout Tyreek Hill, Gonzalez proved he belonged at the sport's highest level - and now has the hardware to back it up.
Gonzalez, who was drafted No. 17 overall, was named the AFC's Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
How does Patriots coach Bill Belichick feel about the honor? Pleased ... but far from content.
"It's great for him," Belichick said. "It's not really what we're in it for, though. So, just trying to win games, get better. Of course, getting a recognition like that is probably a good sign that things are going fairly well, but there's still a lot to work on. Every week's a new challenge.
"Congratulations, but really our goals are different and bigger than that."
Christian Gonzalez was named the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The 21-year-old Gonzalez has done it all for New England's defense, recording 16 tackles, one sack, an interception and a team-high three passes defended while starting each of the first three games.
Gonzalez has been thrown into the fire and delivered, holding Hill to five receptions for 40 yards amidst two explosive performances and limiting New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson to five grabs for 48 yards.
After an All-American junior season at Oregon, Gonzalez was projected as a top-10 pick for much of the spring before surprisingly falling down the board on draft day.
Now, with his talent matching his numbers and accolades, Gonzalez is starting to look like even more of a value pick ... and reminds Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon of one of the NFL's best corners.
"The skill and the poise that he plays with at cornerback for a young player is kind of unseen," Judon said. "You see it in the greats. You kind of saw it when Jalen Ramsey came out - whoever he was in front of, he just stayed in front of, and he covered any match."
Gonzalez will look to continue his strong rookie season and make a case for back-to-back rookie of the month honors when the Patriots (1-2) travel to take on the Dallas Cowboys (2-1) inside AT&T Stadium this Sunday. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. EST.
