First-round pick Christian Gonzalez looks the part in preseason opener

2nd & 1 (33) Running play up gut. Gonzalez doesn’t attempt to fill a second-level gap.

3 & 1 (34) - Another run up the gut. He stalks the receiver and they do the wr/db dance (which essentially is we pretend like we’re engaged physically but let’s not get too crazy).

1st &10(36) - Collins lined up in tighter split. He pushes vertically, drawing contact with Gonzalez at top of the route. There’s a slight push-off, briefly breaking Collins open on the post. However, there is a safety sitting and waiting as Gonzalez does a great job with his leverage here, knowing he has that help. No way was Collins getting the rookie on a corner or out either, based on his fine positioning. CJ Stroud was sacked on the play.

2nd & 25 (21) - Has to drive down on a crosser by Jon Metchie (nice to see him playing football again, btw). Pressure and underneath coverage gave Gonzalez enough help that Stroud would have had to pull the trigger quick if he wanted to go there. 

3rd & 21 (25) - INT by Jalen Mills. Gonzalez was on the opposite side but once again recognizes he has inside help. His hip turn and footwork as Collins attempts to work outside the numbers are a pure chef’s kiss.

SECOND SERIES

1st & 10 (18) - Run. He walked off to a half-field depth

2nd & 5 (23) - Top side. Engages receiver in the seam with some bumping down the field. Ball goes elsewhere.

3rd & 5 (23) - Single high safety look vs stacked receivers on top side of formation. He sits near the sticks and bites a little on a stutter-step from Collins, allowing him to get over the top on a corner. Pressure eliminated any chance the ball was coming this way but that’s a rep to learn from. Roughing the passer extends drive.

1st & 10 (38) - Run opposite way

2nd & 9 (39) - Trips to his side. He was playing quarters, keeping an eye on receiver working into his zone. Was where he was suppose to be. Ball went elsewhere.

3rd & 4 (44) - In press position. Receiver takes inside release. Gonzalez mirrors him and works easily with WR as the route bends toward the corner. Bryant was lurking as the single high safety. Would think the coaches will want the rookie to maintain a little more outside leverage here but the feet and hips are smooth as he makes his turn. Stroud had to scramble

THIRD SERIES

1st & 10 (10) - Run

2nd & 5 (15)  - On an island top side. Goes stride for stride with Steven Sims, who snaps off a comeback. Slight hesitation to go with him on the break, but would have been in position to make a play had the ball come his way. Very smooth. Ball went elsewhere.

3rd & 5 (15) - vs tight trips, dealing with an outside zone. Was where he was supposed to be. Ball went elsewhere.

1st & 10 (25) - Single receiver to his side. Inside run. Fills 2nd level gap. Holding called on OL.

2nd & 20 (15) - Playing zone. Gets hands on receiver releasing inside. Falls back in his area. Job done. Ball elsewhere.  

3rd & 20 (15)  - A give-up run called by the Texans. Gonzalez ends getting into the pile.

FOURTH SERIES

1st & 10 (18) - Single WR to his side. Toss his way. Does a sound job holding his ground but loses leverage late. Doesn’t prove costly.

2nd & 3 (25) - Tight split. Run. Helps tackle ball carrier by going low

1st & 10 (38) - Run

2nd & 7 (41) - Surrenders a catch on a crossing route. Sims pressed his inside shoulder just enough to get a clean break and gain a step and a half of separation. Gonzalez closes late on the throw and punches ball out. It was ruled a fumble that goes out of bounds. Texans maintain possession.

1st & 10 (+47) - Run

2nd & 9 (+46) - Run. Fumble. Patriots recover. Night over for Gonzalez.

BOTTOM LINE

The first-rounder looked like it from an athletic standpoint. He looked like he understood his assignments. He played with confidence and looked like he belonged. The heat will get turned up with week with some of the young, skilled receivers the Packers possess, but the arrow remains pointed upward.