How Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez Assessed Performance Vs. DK Metcalf

FOXBORO, Mass. -- New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez didn't fare as well against Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf as he did in his star-studded matchup one week prior.

Metcalf was key factor in Seattle's 23-20 overtime victory at Gillette Stadium on Sunday after he recorded 10 catches for 129 yards and one touchdown.

Gonzalez followed Metcalf for much of the contest, and was in coverage for Metcalf's 56-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Patriots safety Kyle Dugger took blame for the botched defensive snap while Gonzalez referred to it as a miscommunication.

"He's a great receiver," Gonzalez said after the overtime loss. "He's one of the league's best. I feel like I did alright, I'm not going to say I had a perfect game. It's never a perfect game. He made plays, I made plays. But the main thing is we ain't win so besides that it don't matter."

Metcalf recorded a chain-moving reception during Seattle's overtime drive. He routinely got open on short routes with his physicality and used his speed to make plays with the ball in his hands.

"He got all the tools. He's fast, real fast, physical, smart. He studies a lot of film," Gonzalez said of Metcalf. "You can see how he plays and he's been in the league so he's done it. He's done it against multiple different corners and that's what he does."

Metcalf clearly felt good about the film he put against Gonzalez.

"It was very good," Metcalf said. "Just like last week, going against one corner the whole game. You get to accumulate reps and get to figure out little nuances in the one-on-one matchup against him.

"I think he's going to be a really good corner in this league for years to come. Big, strong, physical corner with speed, can track the ball downfield. So it was a good matchup and it was a fun game."

Gonzalez and the Patriots secondary had trouble containing Metcalf one week after handcuffing Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Unfortunately for the second-year corner, things don't get much easier with Garrett Wilson on the docket Thursday night.