FOXBOROUGH – There’s no question that Christian Gonzalez has ramped up his intensity and physicality this training camp, which has been a pleasant surprise when you consider his contractual situation.
What’s also been evident – at least to me – is that the cornerback’s been saving that little extra something for the Patriots’ newest number one receiver, A.J. Brown. Guess what? Brown has observed the same.
“He’s going a little bit more, I should say,” Brown said, laughing when asked about Gonzalez’s demeanor with him. “Yeah, but with anyone else, he’s just real calm and relaxed and more fluid. It’s cool though.”
The fourth-year pro has even taken to talking to Brown, which hasn’t been a huge part of Gonzalez’s game in prior seasons. Kayshon Boutte felt the need to step in between them during Thursday’s practice, and there have been a couple other instances of the two players getting heated with each other, with teammates and coaches closing in to make sure it doesn’t escalate beyond that. So what is it about Brown that brings this out of the quiet corner?
“I’m not sure. I’m not sure,” Brown repeated. “Like I said, it’s not personal at all. I’m crafting, and I’m just trying to win my route. That may be a question for him. “
We did ask that of Gonzalez on Thursday, who in addition to noting it was “good on good” also added, “He’s going to face corners like that who are going to yap at him and going to try to get in his head. And I’m going to face receivers like that who are strong and come right back at me. So it’s great work for both of us.”
There could also be the added element of Gonzalez wanting to prove to the Patriots that he is
