Patriots player take a shot at Ja'Marr Chase and his contract situation with the Bengals
Christian Gonzalez was given a very difficult task in the New England Patriots season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite some back-and-forth on whether Ja'Marr Chase would play, the star receiver suited up for the game. So it was up to Gonzalez who had to lock him down and prevent any big plays. And the […]
Christian Gonzalez was given a very difficult task in the New England Patriots season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite some back-and-forth on whether Ja'Marr Chase would play, the star receiver suited up for the game. So it was up to Gonzalez who had to lock him down and prevent any big plays.
And the second-year cornerback did just that.
Chase finished the game with only three receptions for a total of 14 receiving yards.
So the Patriots cornerback was asked about his performance. However, while he was talking, one of Gonzalez's teammates yelled in the background, poking fun at Chase's contract situation.
"He was like, 'he’s not getting a new contract on me,’ a Patriots player said in the locker room (via MassLive's Mark Daniels).
Gonzalez couldn't help but smile in response.
Afterwards, he continued speaking about his game plan.
“There was a plan – they wanted me to go with him,” Gonzalez said. “I talked about it earlier this week – that’s what you want. Being a corner, that’s your dream. Being able to do that is fun.”
Part of the reason there was a question about whether Chase would play is due to his ongoing contract dispute with the team. Cincinnati picked up his fifth year option prior to the 2024 season, but he held-in during training camp in hopes of getting a new contract.
That has not happened yet, but Chase opted to play in the season opener without a new deal.
However, he expressed a little displeasure after the game when asked about why he only say six targets.
“You’ve gotta ask [head coach] Zac [Taylor],” Chase responded
Gonzalez has been preparing all week to take on the Bengals. And his main focus has been on Chase along with Tee Higgins.
"They got the two headed monster over there," Gonzalez said earlier in the week. "The mindset doesn't change just based on who you're going against … it's a little more amped up. You get really excited to go up against that."
And Gonzalez was able to lock him down successfully.
"Personally, I feel like I did good," he said on Sunday. "It was a fun matchup. He’s one of the best receivers in the league. It’s fun.”
