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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.
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.
