The former University of California basketball player has been posting up big numbers in the NFL for 13 seasons. He is a 10-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (928), receiving yards (11,084), and touchdowns (78). Gonzalez, who has touchdown receptions in each of his first two games with the Falcons, has added another dimension to Atlanta’s already potent attack, led by quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner.
“I think the acquisition of Gonzalez has made a huge impact on their offensive football team,’’ said Patriots coach Bill Belichick. “He makes you worry about what’s going on inside. Gonzalez has already had a real productive two games. They’ve done a good job with him scheme-wise of getting him matched up in some advantageous situations, and Ryan has been able to pick those out and get it to him.
“When teams have tried to take him away, [Ryan] has been able to come back to [wide receivers Roddy] White and [Michael] Jenkins and the running game. They’ve done a good job. Gonzalez, that was certainly a good addition.’’
For all the consternation over the Patriots’ offense, the only touchdown by either team in Sunday’s 16-9 loss to the Jets came on a 9-yard reception by New York tight end Dustin Keller. In Week 1 against Buffalo, with the Patriots intent on taking away wide receivers Terrell Owens and Lee Evans, tight ends Derek Schouman and Shawn Nelson combined for five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive coordinator Dean Pees acknowledged that the Patriots had been “probably average’’ in defending the tight end so far.
Going back to 2008, after Harrison was lost for the season with a right quadriceps tear, quality tight ends have hurt the Patriots. Indianapolis’s Dallas Clark had four receptions for 63 yards. Keller had eight receptions for 87 yards. Pittsburgh’s Heath Miller had four receptions for 60 yards. Seattle’s John Carlson had eight receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown.
