When it comes to measuring a quarterback’s efficiency, passer rating isn’t the full story - but it can paint a pretty clear picture. And in the Patriots’ playoff run this year, that picture has been one of lockdown dominance.
Through three postseason games, New England’s defense has held opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 56.1. That’s not just stingy - that’s suffocating.
Two touchdowns allowed, five interceptions forced. And at the heart of it all?
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III.
The Patriots’ starting corners have been playing at an elite level - not just in flashes, but consistently, snap after snap. Both Gonzalez and Davis rank first and second, respectively, in passer rating allowed this postseason.
Neither has given up a touchdown in coverage. And Davis, the seasoned vet, has already snagged two picks, while Gonzalez added one of his own in the AFC Championship.
Statistically, they’ve been nearly untouchable. Gonzalez leads all qualifying defensive backs in the playoffs with just 5.2 yards allowed per target.
Davis isn’t far behind at 5.7, slotting in at fifth league-wide. That kind of efficiency isn’t just impressive - it’s disruptive.
It forces quarterbacks to look elsewhere, to hold the ball longer, and to make mistakes. And that’s exactly what New England’s defense has been thriving on.
For Gonzalez, this level of play hasn’t come in a vacuum. He’s had a steady presence to lean on in Davis, who brings not just talent, but experience - the kind that matters when the stakes get highest.
This Super Bowl will be Davis’ 13th career playoff game, a number that stands in stark contrast to Gonzalez’s first postseason run. That leadership has been invaluable.
“CD’s done a great job coming into the room,” Gonzalez said this week. “He’s that veteran we needed.
Besides him, we’ve got a real young room. So just him coming in, having experience, winning a Super Bowl, playing in this league - I’ve been able to lean on him, talk to him, ask him how these playoff games feel, how the Super Bowl feels.”
Davis signed a three-year, $54 million deal with New England this offseason and immediately stepped into the starting role opposite Gonzalez. While Gonzalez has made headlines as one of the breakout stars of the season, Davis has been the steady hand - the guy who’s been here before, who knows what it takes to win in January and February.
And he’s shown it on the field. In the divisional round against Houston, Davis picked off two passes, setting the tone for the Patriots’ defense.
Gonzalez followed with a game-changing interception in the AFC title game against Denver. That kind of one-two punch at cornerback is rare - and it’s a big reason why the Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl.
As for the moment? Gonzalez isn’t letting it get too big.
“Preparing the same way. It’s football at the end of the day,” he said.
“It’s the same game I’ve played my whole life. It’s just the Super Bowl.
Of course, there are going to be a few nerves the closer you get, but it’s football. The field’s the same length.
The stage doesn’t really change your preparation. You still prepare the same way and go.
You have a job to execute.”
And that’s exactly what this New England secondary has done all postseason - execute. With Davis leading the way and Gonzalez rising to the moment, the Patriots’ corners have become the backbone of a defense that’s peaking at the right time. Now, with one game left, they’ll look to bring that same relentless energy to the biggest stage in football.