At this point in the 2024 NFL season, it's pretty clear the kind of team the Patriots are and will be for the rest of the year. They weren't expected to win many games this year, no matter who was in at quarterback, and were projected to be a bottom-tier performing team with few stars on the roster.
For the most part, that's not too far off from the truth, but injuries and growing pains have plagued the success of many players who were projected to be the most impressive performers of the season.
Fortunately, despite it all, at least two players have been consistently productive every week, no matter what they have been asked to do. And because of that, they could be looking at their first season of Pro Bowl honors, deservingly so.
Unsurprisingly, both play for the defense.
2 Patriots players trending toward their 1st Pro Bowl appearances
CB Christian Gonzalez
Based on how he's played through the first ten games of the season, it's hard to remember that cornerback Christian Gonzalez only played in three full games as a rookie last year before suffering a season-ending injury. He plays like a seasoned vet, especially since he is given the toughest task every week by guarding the opponent's best receivers.
So far in 2024, he has covered the likes of Davante Adams, Brandon Aiyuk, Ja'Marr Chase, and D.K. Metcalf, just to name a few. In total, he has allowed 20 completions on 52 targets (38%) for 277 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, and four pass breakups for a 61.14 passer rating.
That is top-tier production from a player who has only been active for 13.5 games in his NFL career so far.
Most of it can be attributed to his natural skillset, which Bill Belichick was able to see before drafting him in the first round last year, while the rest can be credited to his mentorship from former Patriot and Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore, whom he continues to follow in his footsteps.
He's done everything possible to be recognized as a Pro Bowler this year, and he deserves that recognition at the end of the season.
CB Marcus Jones
Although his production is nowhere near the same as his teammate, cornerback Marcus Jones continues to be a hidden gem on the Patriots roster in more ways than one.
Besides being a consistent contributor in the secondary, his impressive punt returns have made a crucial difference this season for the Patriots offense. His quickness, elusiveness, and persistence have not gone unnoticed and made fans demand he remains the primary returner moving forward, which would seem best for the team.
Jones is on pace to break his 2022 stats for punt returns, as he recorded 362 yards on 29 returns and is currently at 20 returns for 311 yards through ten games. But he has already broken his career-record average yards per return this year with 15.6.
His versatility and reliability make him one of the best pieces of the team and give the Patriots so many options in how to use him on game day. He can match up with some of the best receivers in the league, then evade tackles against tough special teamers, and also produce on offense if needed. Because he can do so much for the team, it feels like a no-brainer for Jones to earn Pro Bowl honors for his special teams contributions.