FOXBOROUGH - \While the Patriots are still weeks away from their season-opening tilt in Cincinnati or the home opener against Seattle, Christian Gonzalez has already begun studying players like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and D.K. Metcalf.
"It started a while ago," smiled the soft-spoken second-year cornerback, saying he's already been in the film room, looking ahead, even though it's admittedly early. "So kind of just watching, just breaking down, how each receiver moves, how they come in and out of the huddle, how they - kind of more the little things, more the little things towards the person, the actual receiver. Not so much the scheme, you know, we get more into that once we get to the week of the game, but it's more studying the mannerisms, the small little things."
It's about trying to find tells in the opposing receiver. Is there a release pattern on specific routes or formations that could reveal what will happen?"
"Yeah, you know, you gotta find a way playing corner," said Gonzalez. "You gotta, you gotta find a little extra step."
This approach is familiar to the former first-rounder. He started digging deep into the tape during his college days, especially at the University of Oregon. That, after having no clue about film study in his high school years.
"I mean, that was something I learned from my college coach, Demetrius Martin, who taught me," he said. "I didn't really understand how to watch film, like I was just, 'Hey, turn the film on. You see them do this.' But you have to understand why they're doing it and how they're doing it."
That helped Gonzalez make a smooth transition into the league, even if his first season was cut short by injury. Now, that surgically repaired shoulder "feels good. It feels real good," Gonzalez needs to take the next step, becoming not just the top corner on this team but — as some have predicted — one of the tops in the NFL. His summer has been fine to this point, but there's more in there, and the Pats are doing their best to dig it out of him.
MISTER MATTER OF FACT
Matthew Judon is gone but not forgotten.
"Ju (Judon) taught me a lot coming in as a rookie," said Keion White after Saturday's practice. "He was a big help. He wasn't with us the whole season last year, but when he was, his presence was felt for sure."
The trade almost certainly opens up more snaps for White, who looks poised to become a force on that defensive front. But the 6'5", 290-pound hammer has a different view.
"Um, no, I, personally, I didn't really see it like that," he said. "Just kind of see me doing my own thing. I don't really see myself trying to fill anybody's shoes. (I) just make my own position."
Indeed, the skillsets of the two players are different. Judon is at least 20 pounds lighter and a more polished pass rusher. But unlike Judon, White can easily move inside on passing downs and bully guards, much like Deatrich Wise has done for the last several years, albeit with more pure power than Wise possesses and far greater athleticism.
About a week or so ago, White told us he was working on adding to his pass-rush arsenal, going so far as to shelve his power moves in practice so he could try out some different moves and counter moves. But on Thursday night against the Eagles, he "went back to my roots a little bit" and caused some havoc, especially from the interior. "(I) Used a little bit more power, but still working through some things. Got to work some things out, but it's coming along day by day."
What's funny is White's sack came when he was lined up on the edge, but as he said (he's brutally honest), "I didn't have to do much. I just ran straight." Already 25 years old, White is an older product, but there's still plenty for him to learn - he was a tight end his freshman year in college - and you can tell he's embraced the cerebral side of the game, soaking up wisdom from Judon, Wise, or whoever else helps give him an advantage. That's a great trait to have, and, along with the physical gifts he has, makes his development one to watch and chronicle as this season plays out.
OL SHUFFLE
As noted in Greg's practice report, the offensive line saw some changes, with rookie Layden Robinson and Caedan Wallace getting worked in more with the presumptive first group (putting Sidy Sow and Chuks Okorafor on the sideline during those moments). Yes, the quest for the best five continues more than halfway through August. And it should be because they have been consistently below average during camp.
"It's different," said Wallace post-practice, "but it's what they're asking for. So I'm working at it every day. Wherever they need me to be at, that's where I'll go."
Though Saturday was a significantly lighter day (not in pads) - and Calvin Anderson did not practice (he had a brace on his left wrist) - this shuffling was noteworthy, and one Wallace thinks it will continue into full pads Sunday."
"I'd assume so," he said, adding, "I kind of allude to it every time I be with the media, but I just kind of do what they tell me to do. I read the papers (the schedule given to them by the coaches) and hit practice that day."
Wallace has been inconsistent in his first training camp, eventually getting bumped from the first line to the second. However, as the Pats struggle to protect their quarterbacks and create movement in the run game, they finally seem willing to shake up the rotations even more, putting pressure on all but a few (Andrews, Onwenu, and Vederian Lowe). At this point, it's necessary, although it's possible the answer isn't on the roster and may not be until we hit the next serious round of team building in March and April of 2025.