Gronkowski and the Red Zone Offense

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

In general, Gronkowski is not seeing many targets this season. Yes, he is helping more with blocking, but on several replays, it showed Brady forcing the all to another player, while Gronk was also one on one. In particular the TD attempt to Edelman (where Reed knocked the ball out)- Edelman into double coverage versus Gronkowski in single coverage? Have yet to see many plays designed around Gronkowski getting free.

You can argue that Gronk gets double teamed more now, especially with AH out, but Gronk was double teamed a lot last year, too.

Also, what is this Red Zone package? For the first time in years, the Pats have a great, traditional group of red zone options. They are carrying a bunch of tight ends and Ridley (who is a great shifty power runner). All of their red zone plays go to quick midgets like Welker, Edelman, and Woodhead. This is baffling to me. Gronkowski wasn't even a red zone option tonight.

I felt the uneasy feeling of the game slipping away on the chicken playcalling when we settled for the field goal to go up 30-21. Again, Gronk not involved or even targeted. Two terrible running plays to Woodhead, a real "power back" for that situation, and then a quick pass to Welker, who had virtually no chance to score. Why not just throw three passes into the endzone? Rather have a real chance of a TD than three "safe" plays that give you the same result.

 

[juny]

In general, Gronkowski is not seeing many targets this season. Yes, he is helping more with blocking, but on several replays, it showed Brady forcing the all to another player, while Gronk was also one on one. In particular the TD attempt to Edelman (where Reed knocked the ball out)- Edelman into double coverage versus Gronkowski in single coverage? Have yet to see many plays designed around Gronkowski getting free.

You can argue that Gronk gets double teamed more now, especially with AH out, but Gronk was double teamed a lot last year, too.

Also, what is this Red Zone package? For the first time in years, the Pats have a great, traditional group of red zone options. They are carrying a bunch of tight ends and Ridley (who is a great shifty power runner). All of their red zone plays go to quick midgets like Welker, Edelman, and Woodhead. This is baffling to me. Gronkowski wasn't even a red zone option tonight.

I felt the uneasy feeling of the game slipping away on the chicken playcalling when we settled for the field goal to go up 30-21. Again, Gronk not involved or even targeted. Two terrible running plays to Woodhead, a real "power back" for that situation, and then a quick pass to Welker, who had virtually no chance to score. Why not just throw three passes into the endzone? Rather have a real chance of a TD than three "safe" plays that give you the same result.

the lack of gronk was a bit troubling.

 

[Gostkowski for 3]

Im sure this is will be similar to when people were questioning the lack of Welker use just a few days ago....I was fairly happy with the way the ball was being distributed.

 

[bostonia3333]

Its becoming less subtle now...but Gronk just doesn't look like the same player he was after he injured his ankle in the AFCCG. He is not getting the same burst off the line of scrimmage and that separation he was able to get last year seems completely gone. He's just not the same guy nor should we expect him to be after such a serious injury. Hopefully its not a career nagging thing

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Its becoming less subtle now...but Gronk just doesn't look like the same player he was after he injured his ankle in the AFCCG. He is not getting the same burst off the line of scrimmage and that separation he was able to get last year seems completely gone. He's just not the same guy nor should we expect him to be after such a serious injury. Hopefully its not a career nagging thing

Don't think the Pats would have shelled out that money if they thought that. It's not the "burst" that's the problem. His height and hands alone should get him plenty of targets against mismatched defenders.