Image courtesy of the New England Patriots

People can criticize Bill Belichick all they want for not taking a skilled receiver or a tackle in the first round of the draft this spring, but it’s hard to argue with the decision to take Christian Gonzalez.

The former Oregon cornerback has already been a lock-down guy on the outside for the Patriots and on Thursday, he was recognized as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.

Gonzalez getting the award marks the fifth time a rookie has received the honor and it’s the third time a defensive player for the Pats has won it. Through three games, Gonzalez has 16 tackles, a sack, an interception and three pass break ups. In the last game against the Jets, Gonzalez shut down speedy receiver Garrett Wilson. The week prior, he was in charge of slowing down the likes of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Currently, Gonzalez is also the only rookie in the NFL with at least three passes defended so far.

“I’ve just got to keep my head down and just keep working,” Gonzalez said at his locker on Wednesday. “Just keep growing. Just keep coming in each week and do what I do and listen to the coaches and take the film study and just put it out on the field.”

Gonzalez and his quiet confidence have already served him well. He was asked about his process getting ready to face the Cowboys this Sunday with another stud receiver in CeeDee Lamb.

“Just treating it like another game,” he said. “Coming in and doing what we do every week. Studying and then practicing and just taking what we know from the film, going out there and practicing it on the field and just getting ready or Sunday. He’s a great receiver, definitely. They’re all great receivers and they’re athletic, they make big plays, so, just excited for the matchup.”

Gonzalez may seem like a vet already with his calm demeanor and stellar play, but he’s still getting adjusted to NFL life and developing his routine.

So far, so good.

“Yeah, just trying to get better, still learning through it,” he added. “Long way to go, but just taking it day-by-day. It’s been fun, definitely. I’m having fun, enjoying it. It’s been my dream to come play football at the highest level. Like I said, just going day-by-day. The weeks do move real fast. They fly by, but, kind of just having a lot of fun doing it.”