Patriots-Cardinals Stock Watch: Gonzalez, a positive point in the Pats’ defeat originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
On Sunday, the New England Patriots did not fare well against the Arizona Cardinals for their fourth straight loss.
Jerod Mayo’s group failed to convert a third try (0-6) into defeat 30-17. The attacking play was a real headache throughout the match, and it became even more problematic when Mayo apparently called offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt during his post-match press conference.
Defensively, the Patriots allowed Cardinals running back James Conner to total 110 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, including a 53-yarder. And although Pats second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez stopped valuable Arizona rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the defense allowed tight end Trey McBride to make a game-high nine receptions in the game, for 87 yards.
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It was another disappointing day for New England, who now sit at 3-11 heading into their Week 16 showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Ahead of this game, our Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry shared their “Stock Down” and “Stock Up” picks from Sunday’s loss to Arizona:
Stock falling
Kyle Dugger, S
Courran: “He had 10 tackles, but once again the safety play wasn’t enough for the Patriots.”
Jabrill peppers, S
Pear: “I would put Jabrill Peppers in there just because he was on the scene during this 53 yard run it hurt them at first.
Jahlani Tavai, L.B.
Pear: “I think when it came to setting those fronts and giving up some important races, he was looking behind me too often.”
Others receiving votes: Offensive linemen Vederian Lowe, Ben Brown and Layden Robinson.
Store
Christian González, CB
Pear: “Great job on Marvin Harrison Jr. He completely dominated him. It wasn’t even a competitive battle between those two. I think he had three assists.”
Antonio Gibson, RB
Courran: “My stock is way higher than Antonio Gibson’s. I love him. I just think he’s a great contributor and I hope the Patriots bring him back.”
