New England Patriots
Gonzalez left the game in the fourth quarter, but later said that he was fine.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez said he is OK after leaving Sunday’s game with a head injury during the fourth quarter.
Gonzalez said he went through concussion protocol and was cleared to return. There was no need, however, as the Patriots were able to run out the clock on their final drive.
The injury occurred on a play where Atlanta’s Drake London hauled in a 40-yard catch with Gonzalez in coverage. London and Gonzalez wrestled for the ball as they landed. The Atlanta receiver came up with it as Gonzalez hit his head.
“It was a good route. Good coverage,” Gonzalez said. “It’s two big-time players going to fight for the ball. He came down with it, but I’m glad we got the win … I just landed and hit my head and we’ve got to be careful with that, but I’m good.”
London caught nine passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns. His size and length were problematic for the Patriots in the red zone. The 40-yarder over Gonzalez was his longest catch of the day. He was the only Falcons wide receiver with more than 40 yards.
“He’s a talented receiver, like a lot of receivers in our league,” Gonzalez said. “We had our battle. He won a couple, I won a couple. That’s the nature of this position, you’ve just got to make plays. They’re going to make catches. They get paid too. I’m just glad we won.”
Gonzalez was asked if he was trying to return to the game after the head injury.
“Yeah, I would have came back in but the offense did what they had to do, got a first down, and we didn’t have to go back on the field,” said Gonzalez.
The game came down to a missed extra point from the Falcons. The one-point margin of victory marked New England’s closest win of the season.
“Well, we’ve won some close games, and I think that we did kind of learn a little bit about ourselves,” coach Mike Vrabel said. “You can make mistakes, and you have to be able to come back and finish the game. There’s a lot of snaps still left, and understand what is needed from us.”
“It’s a fun group to coach because I think that they’re going to always want more. They are receptive to the coaching,” Brabel added. “They give us everything they’ve got. We’re nine games in. We practice hard, and we play, beat up, we’re going on the road. I’m glad and appreciative of everything that they’ve given us thus far halfway through the season.”
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