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Jaxon Smith-Njigba stuns Seahawks Nation by publicly praising the elite coverage of CB Christian Gonzalez despite the Patriots’ loss to the Seahawks: “He completely dominated me — I’ll probably still be dreaming tonight about getting shut down.”

San Francisco, California – Even as the Seattle Seahawks secured a 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, one of the most talked-about storylines after the game came from the losing side. Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots’ young cornerback, delivered an elite performance that turned Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a name that nearly vanished from the field.

Gonzalez was assigned the toughest task: shadowing Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year and Seattle’s most dangerous weapon. Across 14 direct coverage snaps, Gonzalez allowed just one reception for 16 yards on three targets — a stat line that reflects near-total control over one of the NFL’s premier receivers.

The defining moment came just before halftime. On a goal-line situation, Gonzalez made a full-extension pass breakup in the end zone, denying a throw from Sam Darnold intended for JSN. It was a play that bordered on an interception and forced the Seahawks to settle for a field goal instead of a touchdown — a sequence that subtly but decisively shaped the flow of the game.

Overall, Smith-Njigba finished with just four catches on 10 targets for roughly 27 yards and no touchdowns — far below his usual standard. Though JSN briefly left the game for a concussion evaluation in the second half and later returned, he still couldn’t find consistent separation against Gonzalez and the Patriots’ disciplined secondary.

After the game, Smith-Njigba was candid in his praise for the defender who gave him the most trouble. “Christian was everywhere. He pressed me, stayed on my hip, took away space, and never gave me a clean look. Honestly, he completely dominated that matchup. I’ll probably still be thinking tonight about how hard every route felt out there.”

For Patriots Nation, those words carried special weight. In a lopsided loss to Seattle’s defense, Gonzalez emerged as the team’s brightest spot — clear evidence that New England has found a true shutdown cornerback for the future. Several coaches and analysts described his showing as a full-on “clinic” at the position.

Super Bowl LX belonged to the Seahawks, but Christian Gonzalez left San Francisco with the respect of the entire NFL. When an Offensive Player of the Year openly admits he was “dominated,” it’s more than personal praise — it’s a clear sign that the Patriots possess a defensive cornerstone for the next era.

 
 

Pittsburgh are about to finalize the Maxx Crosby deal after an offer they can’t refuse, with a green light from Crosby as he praised the Steelers as the team he wants to join
PITTSBURGH — The Steelers appear to be closing in on one of the most shocking moves of the offseason. Multiple league sources indicate Pittsburgh is finalizing the final details of a trade to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders after presenting what has been described as an offer “too good to turn down.” More importantly, Crosby has reportedly given a clear green light, openly praising the Steelers as the destination he wants. Crosby has long been the emotional heartbeat of the Raiders’ defense — playing with relentless intensity, durability, and the ability to generate pressure on every snap. In recent days, however, his admiration for Pittsburgh has intensified speculation surrounding a potential move. “The Steelers are built on toughness and defense,” Crosby is said to have shared with those close to him. “That culture fits who I am. If I want to compete for championships, that’s the kind of locker room I want to be part of.” The Steelers’ front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, has acted aggressively. League insiders report that Pittsburgh assembled a trade package centered around premium draft capital and immediate-impact contributors — a proposal strong enough to force the Raiders into serious consideration. For a franchise typically measured in major transactions, this signals a clear sense of urgency. Timing plays a critical role. Pittsburgh believes its championship window is open but incomplete. Defense remains the team’s identity, and pairing Crosby with T.J. Watt could create the most feared edge-rushing duo in the NFL. Offensive coordinators across the league would be forced to prepare for constant pressure on every down. From Crosby’s perspective, the motivation is straightforward. While his loyalty to Las Vegas has never been questioned, organizational uncertainty has reportedly caused him to reassess his long-term future. “I want to win at the highest level, consistently,” he is believed to have said privately, according to sources. Pittsburgh — with its stability under owner Art Rooney II and its historic defensive culture — offers that foundation. If finalized, the deal would send shockwaves through the AFC. It would represent a definitive “all-in” statement from a franchise determined to return to the Super Bowl. For the Steelers, acquiring Maxx Crosby would not just be a roster upgrade — it would be a reinforcement of identity. And if current momentum holds, Pittsburgh may soon land one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive forces.