Ice_Ice_Brady

Obviously, I'd rather have neither.

BUT...

Hernandez was clearly at between 50-70% last time we played the Giants. The problem is that Hernandez' entire game is entirely based on quickness, speed, and shiftniness. Although a lot has been made about Gronk's effectiveness with this ankle injury, I think that, even if he doesn't have anywhere near top speed, the fact that AH is 100% should put the Pats in equal, if not better position than last game (and obviously, we could have played better last game.)

I smirk a little bit when I hear the chicken little prognosticators talk about how Gronk's game relies on heavy cutting, sprinting, and change of direction. While I agree that Gronk certainly benefits from being fast for his size, about 90% of his value is in his toughness, height, power, and hands. This guy is a classic old-school tight end who is long and lanky. It seems like a lot of experts are suddenly comparing his game to Vernon Davis or Jermichael Finley.

If Gronk can just be healthy enough to run basic routes, even with very few YAC, and stay healthy enough to effectively block, I think this team has the weapons to take apart this defense.

Also, another way of putting this: of all of these players, which one is least dependent on speed and shiftiness: Welker, Hernandez, Branch, Woodhead, BJGE. I wish Gronk would be 100% for this game, but I think that people are underestimating the speed and YAC abilities of the other guys in there.

Double TE

I choose option #3: Ballard.

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goheels22002

I think it's safe to speak for everyone with an account here to say we'd rather that you had the leg injury.

Ice_Ice_Brady

I do have a leg injury.

letekro

Clearly Gronk. He can still run the seam route with a bad ankle. Hernandez as you point out is the jukeman.

goheels22002

We're sorry to learn this. Two questions: 1) Did Bernard Pollard give you your leg injury? and 2) Are you "questionable" for Super Bowl 46?

Ice_Ice_Brady

Thank you.

Now, Hernandez had a bum knee for a while during the season, and Brady had a bad elbow during that time. Bad combination.

Pats still mustered just enough to beat the Cowboys. Took the lead on the Giants with a minute left. Lost to Pittsburgh.

Other than those games, this team was scoring in the 30s pretty consistently. So, given that AH was slower before, and a slow Gronk will not hurt the offense as much as a slow AH, and Brady's elbow is better, why are so many people saying this team is in big trouble on offense?

Ice_Ice_Brady

I received a high ankle sprain on Wednesday, Grade 3.. Fortunately, I willed myself back to full strength in less than 24 hours. I'm now cutting and sprinting.

thenepatsrule

This++++++++++++

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goheels22002

Excellent. We look forward to seeing you dive into the end zone on Sunday at around 9:30 p.m. with Antrel Rolle on your back.