Christian Gonzalez Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

Originally posted on FanNation Ducks Digest
By Max Torres | Last updated 9/28/23

A lot of people think fall is the greatest time of the year. You get to watch college football and the NFL, where college fans can see players from their schools play on the game's biggest stage.

Former Oregon Ducks cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been thriving since the New England Patriots selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and this week he was recognized as the NFL defensive rookie of the month for September.

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud was recognized as the NFL offensive Rookie of the Month.

The Patriots may be just 1-2 three weeks into the NFL season, but Gonzalez has arguably been the brightest star on a defense. Through three games Gonzalez has totaled 13 solo tackles, 1 interception and 3 pass breakups.

PREDICTION: Oregon to land elite defensive back

Bill Belichick's squad has faced some tough challenges early on and the former Duck has risen to the occasion.

New England faced the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, who feature some of the game's best wide receivers in A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. In that game Gonzalez recorded his first NFL sack on a corner blitz against quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The Patriots also squared off with the Miami Dolphins, arguably the hottest offense in all of football, and their star wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught just five of his nine targets for 40 receiving yards. The young cornerback also snagged his first interception in that game, as he continues to display his athleticism and feel for the game.

This article first appeared on FanNation Ducks Digest and was syndicated with permission.

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