Soul_Survivor88
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It took a while, but Rob Gronkowski finally started eating against the Steelers. After spending most of Sunday's game with just one reception (on one target) to his name, the Patriots tight end burst up the seam for a 36-yard touchdown in the third quarter, proving -- once again -- that he's impossible to cover down the field. .... For Pittsburgh, that's a familiar sight, because Gronk almost always has his way with the Steelers. Sunday marked Gronk's fifth career game against the Steelers, and that touchdown was the eighth of his career against them.
- Rob Gronkowski keeps carving up Steelers with yet another touchdown (Oct 23, 2016)
It's a narrative that hasn't gotten much attention, but through the final stretch of the season, New England has had a trio of rematches against regular season opponents - with ascending importance. - Rob Gronkowski keeps carving up Steelers with yet another touchdown (Oct 23, 2016)
January 1: The Miami game locked up the #1 seed (and with it, homefield advantage)
January 14: The HOU divisional game allowed the Patriots to advance to their 11th conference championship game of the Brady-Belichick Era
January 22: And this upcoming matchup with the Steelers will cap of the third, and final rematch against a regular season opponent.
What makes this one more significant - is the absence of Gronk - who had himself a monster game back on October 24. Not only did he haul in two TDs from Brady that day, but Gronk was a pivotal game-changer. After a quick score and field goal, the offense fell silent and could not establish a rhythm. What made the difference, in the end, was Gronk dominance in the second half.
This Patriots offense has taken several turns -- evolving between backup quarterbacks and early questions of Gronk's injury status. He was not active when the Patriots first played Miami. Nor did he have any major role in the thrashing of Houston the following Thursday (where he served mostly as a blocker and decoy). But the game where he made the biggest difference was in Pittsburgh, against a solid Steelers defense that has since improved.
Putting aside the messy peformance on Saturday (coming off a bye, against a top-ranked Houston defense deserving of praise) the jury is still out on how well New England's offense will perform in the postseason.
There's plenty to feel great about. Edelman had his most productive season and remains the leading playmaker at WR. Blount has had a career year as the NFL's leader in rushing touchdowns. White has become one of the most prolific receiving running backs -- not just in the NFL, but in franchise history. Hogan has become a formidable deep threat. Amendola, meanwhile, remains a reliable, serviceable third option at WR.
At the same, there are still questions going forward:
Will Malcolm Mitchell return from his injury to play out the role he's carved as the rare, rookie talent in Brady's circle of trust?
Will Martellus Bennett overcome his persistent injury concerns and help Brady as the team's only major weapon left at Tight End?
Will Michael Floyd continue to adjust to become a dependable #4 option at WR, after showing flashes of promise (as well as big mistakes) on the field?
And perhaps the biggest question: Who will prove to be the biggest offensive difference-maker - with Gronk no longer there, to terrorize Pittsburgh's defense?
I'm excited to see how our offense improves and who will step up in the absence of Gronk. Dion Lewis could have himself another monster game. He is, after all, the late-season addition to Brady's arsenal, and the one skill player who Pittsburgh has not had to match up against this season. I expect him to be our offense's biggest X-factor, going forward.