 Gronkowski currently leads the Patriots in big plays for 2014. (USA TODAY Images) |
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has certainly settled back into where he had been prior to the devastating knee injury he suffered in 2013, and as the Patriots head into the final two weeks of the season the veteran is starting to hit his stride just in time for the postseason.
Going back over the numbers following Sunday's win over Miami, Gronkowski has been the guy who has made things happen in recent weeks, especially when it comes to making big plays in the passing game.
Gronkowski had three plays of 2o-yards or more on Sunday, bringing his overall total to a staggering 15 on the season. That's nearly double from that of the next closest player, which is Brandon LaFell, who has seven.
Here's a quick run down of players who have caught passes from that distance or beyond at this point in the season:
Rob Gronkowski: 15
Brandon LaFell: 7
Julian Edelman: 6
Shane Vereen: 4
Tim Wright: 2
Danny Amendola: 1
Michael Hoomanawanui: 1
Gronkowski also leads the team in passes of 30 yards or more with five on the season. From there it's Edelman (4), LaFell (3), Vereen (2) and Tyms who round out that list. You can also see the full breakdown of Patriots receivers by distance and more in our Patriots Stats Database.
Needless to say while it would be nice to have a receiver who could stretch the field on the perimeter, at least they have a guy who is athletic enough to make them a threat down the field. Hopefully we'll see him make some plays over these final weeks, as well as even more during the playoffs.
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