FOXBORO — Christian Gonzalez has shadowed every No. 1 receiver the Patriots have faced this season.
If that trend continues Sunday, it should mean a whole lot of face time with San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk.
“(Aiyuk)’s fast, strong, physical, good at the catch point,” Gonzalez told the Herald. “And they use him in different ways. They motion him a lot, do a lot of things. He’s a good receiver.”
Aiyuk has gotten off to a slow start this season, failing to crack the 50-yard mark in any of San Francisco’s three games. He’s totaled just 11 catches for 119 yards and zero touchdowns. The 26-year-old, however, is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with 15 combined touchdowns.Not only that, but Aiyuk’s recent success rates against man and zone coverage are both elite; which has made him a go-to target for the Niners in critical situations.
On the flip side, according to Pro Football Focus, Gonzalez has allowed opposing No. 1 receivers just 13 catches on 20 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown this season. He’s also recorded a pass breakup.
“(Gonzalez) may not say a lot, but he has all the skills to be one of the top players in the league at his position,” Pats coach Jerod Mayo said this week. “I think he still has room to grow, and he’s going to be a very good player for us.”
Aiyuk and fellow 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings lead the team in catches and targets, as former All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel sits out with a recent calf injury. It’s possible the Patriots coaching staff could opt to put Gonzalez on Jennings (18 catches, 276 yards, 3 touchdowns) and double-team Aiyuk, a tactic they’ve used in the past.
After those two, there is a significant drop-off to find another healthy and productive 49ers target; a group that may or may not include tight end George Kittle. He missed the team’s last game against the Rams due to a hamstring injury. After those four, fullback Kyle Juszcyk leads the 49ers in catches with six.
