Video of Gronkowski NOT limping.

What difference does it really make? I watched NFL network last night, and listened to all the talking heads talk like Rob Gronkowski whether he played or not was going to make the difference in the Patriots winning or losing. I know Gronkowski is a good player. But it has much more to do with the guy throwing him the ball. If he doesn't play Aaron Hernandez will step up and be nearly or just as effective. Elite QBs make good pass catchers look like elite pass catchers. Way too much time is being spent on Gronkowski's playing status.

 

It's pretty big considering the effect he has on the defense.

 

I don't agree with this one bit. Gronkowski is the best or 2nd best TE in the NFL and there's no doubt that it would have a big effect on the Patriots offense.

 

Walking without a limp isn't exactly any sort of proof that the injury isn't severe. Walking without a limp is a lot different than being able to run, hold your ground blocking a 250+ lb individual, jump for a pass, and/or explode in and out of cuts without issue.

 

their offense works because there are two of te's. They would take a hit if gronkowski didn't play.

 

Production wise, absolutely. He's the best in that regard. Talent wise, I don't agree. I think he plays in a great system with one of if not the best quarterback in the league. Just my opinion. Sure, if he doesn't play it will have some impact.

Take a look at Dallas Clark in 2010. He goes down with injury. Jacob Tamme comes in. Now all of a sudden he's producing great stats. And how did Clark look this last season? Not too good with Curtis Painter throwing him the ball.

At a certain point we have to start to realize that it has a lot more to do with the quarterback than the pass catchers.

Not to take too much away from Gronkowski. You still have to be a damn good player to catch all those passes. So, yeah, it will have an effect. I just don't think it makes the huge impact some of you guys do. Someone else will step up and catch Brady's passes.

 

The biggest impact it makes is pre-snap IMO. When he's in-line or in the backfield along with Hernandez in the backfield or flexed out, it puts the defense in conflict because they have to decide what they are going to count them as.

 

Yea I don't agree with this one bit either. Gronkowski is really, really talented and athletic.

 

And as for the QB being the most important part. I agree with this. BUT... Brady is on an entire different level than he was before Moss, Welker, Gronkowski, and Hernandez came along. He was simply a great QB before 2007. Those Superbowls were more of a team effort, more of a defensive effort. Ever since they've added the playmakers that they have, he's among the top 3 ever as much as I hate to say it. That offense is that team. Belichek doesn't even give 2 ****s about defense anymore lol...

 

Bill B is always ahead of the curve and leading trends

 

Cortisone shots work wonders.....

 

where have i seen this before?

 

[video=youtube_share;rjUIwkEwISk]http://youtu.be/rjUIwkEwISk[/video]

What makes him impressive is his acceleration for his size and how hard he is to tackle.

Any TE in the NFL should be able to catch most of those passes.

 

McLovin, as long as you're here. Is it just me, or are the Pats being severely underrated in this game? Most underrated favorite in a long time? It's the complete opposite of last time around it seems. Media won't stop going on about the Giants front-four and Eli being elite (legit by the way). I'd heard very little by the way of Brady and the bunch (Rodney Harrison picking the Giants— WTF?)

 

Reminds me of the 2001 Patriots going into the Superbowl....

 

Fine by me. I don't want to hear about those douchers anyways.

 

It's almost like a reverse-jinx against the Giants. They've already gone (ESPN at least) above and beyond simply giving them credit IMO.

 

I hope I'm not coming off like I'm suggesting Gronkowski is a bum player. You don't catch that many touchdowns and not be a talented athlete.

I just don't see his absence as having as huge an impact as the media is suggesting. When you have Tom Brady at QB he'll find someone else wide open to throw the ball to. Reminds me of the year Colts had all the injuries at WR and guys like Pierre Garson, Austin Collie, and Blair White all came in and played like studs. Were the Colts just that lucky to have that many gifted WRs? Or does Peyton Manning just make them look damn good? I think it's closer to the latter. That being said, Gronkowski is much better than those guys I mentioned. But the affect of his absence is minimized when you have a QB like Brady.

I could be completely wrong and maybe their offense really suffers if he doesn't play or is limited. Hell I hope that's the case. I'd love to be wrong and the Patriots get destroyed. Time will tell.

 

i see gronkowski playing and even if he is tender in the ankle, he will still beast mode it.

 

douche. (n)

a word to describe an individual who has shown themself to be very brainless in one way or another, thus comparing them to the cleansing product for vaginas.