Watch this Patriots defender recognize the play before the snap and tell everyone where to go

Christian Gonzalez appeared to understand what was coming before the ball was even snapped. The Patriots cornerback began directing his teammates, pointing and making sure everyone was in the correct position.

Seconds later, the play unfolded almost exactly as Gonzalez seemed to anticipate. He stayed with his assignment, closed on the ball and broke up the pass.

It was a brief sequence, but it revealed much more than athletic ability. Gonzalez demonstrated awareness, communication and the confidence to take control of the defense before the play began.

The pass breakup completed the moment, but the most impressive part may have happened first: Gonzalez saw the danger developing and made sure his teammates saw it, too.