Patriots fall to Packers 45-27 as cornerback Christian Gonzalez struggles
New England lost to Green Bay 45-27, with All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez surrendering a season-high 187 receiving yards, while quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions.
The New England Patriots were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 45-27 on Sunday, a game that turned decisively in the third quarter. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, the league’s highest-paid cornerback, allowed ten receptions for 187 yards, the most of his career and the third-most among all players this season, according to Next Gen Stats. He was beaten on deep routes by Packers receivers Matthew Golden and Christian Watson, including a touchdown on a skinny post route in the third quarter.
"I mean, they just got the best of me today," Gonzalez said after the game. "We move on and be ready for next week."
Head coach Mike Vrabel added that the team needs better performance from its top players.
Green Bay’s offense outgained New England on the ground, rushing for 129 yards, nearly double the Patriots’ season average, while quarterback Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers also capitalized on an early interception of Drake Maye, their rookie quarterback, who threw three picks but avoided further turnovers.
Maye’s receiving options were limited by injuries; A.J. Brown has been unavailable since the trade, and Romeo Doubs remains on injured reserve. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who scored the Patriots’ first touchdown, left the game with a knee injury, and the team’s other backs have also missed time.
Despite trailing 24-14 at halftime, New England could not close the gap as the Packers added 18 points in the third quarter. The loss leaves the Patriots with a 5-5 record and a challenging schedule ahead, including games against the Lions, Bills, Vikings, Chiefs and Broncos.