​Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesPatriots news: Christian Gonzalez highlights respect for Drake Maye amid 1-1 start appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez knows a true leader when he sees one. Entering his second season, quarterback Drake Maye is earning the trust of the entire locker room as the franchise builds momentum following a solid 1-1 start to the 2026 campaign.When asked to highlight the best leaders on the roster, Gonzalez named linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, veteran receiver Stefon Diggs, and Maye. The young star defensive back praised the second-year signal-caller for taking charge of the unit. “He’s found his voice,” Gonzalez said of Maye. “Everybody in the locker room respects it. We lean on him. We go as he goes.”Christian Gonzalez was asked who the best leaders he has been around are. He highlighted:– Drake Maye– Ja’Whaun Bentley– Stefon DiggsOn Maye: “He’s found his voice. Everybody in the locker room respects it. We lean on him. We go as he goes.” pic.twitter.com/GCuHgIHDdx— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) September 23, 2026Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)That trust stems from real production on the field. Maye delivered a poise-filled performance in Week 2, leading New England to a convincing 20-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The young quarterback picked apart Pittsburgh’s defense, connecting on deep targets to Hunter Henry and Romeo Doubs to control the tempo from start to finish.His strong outing helped the team bounce back from a tight Week 1 heartbreak, where the Patriots fell 13-10 to the Seattle Seahawks on the road. Through two weeks, Maye’s command at the line of scrimmage and poise under pressure have kept New England’s offense moving forward efficiently.On the other side of the ball, Gonzalez continues to set a dominant tone for head coach Mike Vrabel’s defense. He locked down Seattle’s star receiver DK Metcalf and kept Pittsburgh’s passing attack grounded in Week 2.With veterans like Diggs providing juice on offense and Bentley anchoring the defense, Maye’s growth gives Foxborough a clear focal point. As the Patriots prepare for their Week 3 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the locker room is firmly united behind their young franchise signal-caller.Related: Drake Maye reveals Patriots’ focus to get out of offensive rutRelated: Why Patriots’ RB situation is still an absolute nightmare for fantasy football managers