The Gronk factor

[Uncle Rico]

There were so many great things about last night — Brady carrying the team, Amendola making an impact, Edelman's throw, the two key picks late.

But .. .how about The Gronk Factor?

To me the play that ignited this team when it needed it most was the seam pass from Brady to Gronk in the first quarter. Can't remember the exact details but it must have been at least a 30-yard gain*. The team was losing (14-0) and lifeless. They marched right in after that play.

Gronk's impact wasn't as highlight-filled as it sometimes can be but it was still very much apparent. He did have 7 catches, 106 yards and a TD (ho hum, right?). There can be no doubting the confidence and flexibility his presence gives the team. After three years of wondering "what if Gronk was healthy in the play-offs," we are finally seeing it.

*Edit: Guess it wasn't that long. But the NY Times is spot on on the importance:

The 14-0 deficit had the Gillette Stadium fans uneasy, and they were no more comfortable when the Patriots gained just 2 yards on the first two plays of the next possession. With the Patriots facing third-and-8 at their own 24-yard line, the next play began inauspiciously, as the center snap nearly went over Brady’s head. Brady snatched the ball, but the miscue ruined the timing, and he was under pressure as soon as he dropped back to pass.

But he wriggled out of the clutches of one defender and, staggering forward, looked up and found Gronkowski over the middle for 16 yards.

Two plays later, Brady connected with Edelman for 13 yards to the Baltimore 1. But a first-down run by the Patriots lost 3 yards, and a second-down pass was incomplete.

The Ravens blitzed three defenders from Brady’s right on third down, but Brady waited calmly in the pocket and then ran through a gaping hole on his left for a 4-yard touchdown that got New England back in the game.

It was an important score that halted Baltimore’s mounting momentum, and in the end zone, Brady spiked the ball forcefully.

 

[PATS16N0]

This was another big one, 3rd and 8