I don't see how Gronk is going to be the same player right when he gets back. He's missed a lot of time and is probably not in football shape as well as being injury prone like the rest of our main WR corps. We have problems folks.
We have problems, agreed. However, IMHO, our problem is mostly one of health. If the Football Gods smile on us in the health department, I believe the O will be ok.Breaking down the passing game's three areas (assuming healthy): backfield, TE, WR:
Backfield: looks to be at least even if not an upgrade (Vereen looks to be upgrade over Woodhead)
TE: Downgrade because of the loss of AH -- but if Gronk is eventually healthy he is one of the best TE's in the game (arguably top 3). High production from the TE spot should be there given the special ability of Gronk.
WR: Last year there was WW and Lloyd then not only very little but almost no chance of improvement. Add to that one of the only two productive WRs was a YAC nightmare. Further, downfield separation was virtually non existent (remember the Rvaens in the AFCCG paying no respect to the Patriots downfield passing game?). This year, arguably, the WR spot will be give many many more downfield opportunities, YAC should be improved, and there will still be lots and lots of over the middle production (JE and DA may both end up near 80 to 100 catches provided the health is there).
Sure, health wise it may not work out (best we can do is keep our fingers crossed) but I prefer to remain optimistic. Beyond the health issue, while I am not saying this year will see the passing potency of last year, the pieces are in place to have a good passing offense. The passing game I described above would have enabled the Patriots to have easily dismissed the Bills and Jets of the last two weeks.