Lloyd with thigh problems Hmmmmm
Welker apparently is going to be a busy man sunday night
A busy man with limited opportunities via double/bracketed coverage too.
You don't have to be a defensive genius to realize that they'll take their chances with Llyod one on one, and likely use Reed on Gronk's side. That leaves the prospect of either the other TE (who may be in to block a lot), or Branch/Edelman who isn't going to keep anyone too worried.
We will need to dig deep into the creativity bag for this one.
Hopefully we see some misdirection plays to catch the defense out of step, some good blocking in front of some screens to help offset the passrush, and some churning runs from Ridley mixed in throughout a
key pass or two per quarter via 3rd down, or this one may be a lost cause.
Good execution and a good gameplan can go a long way towards keeping it close though, and if the defense can keep playing stout and even cause a turnover at some point, the odds instantly swing back into our favor.
Obviously the offensive line, the secondary, and the 'other' receiving threats not named Welker or Gronkowski will be big factors come Sunday.
If we can get a little production from Gronk/Welker along with some key catches by Lloyd, and/or Branch/Edelman a few times, we have a shot no matter what.
We have a much better shot if the offensive line plays well, and if that happens AND the defense plays well, we will win this game just fine.