Rob Gronkowski isn't the X factor in this game. He's the guy with the biggest target on his back because there's no way Seattle can win this game if they are unable to slow down Gronk. The massive Tight End, who is healthy after battling injuries for a couple of years, had 28 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 TDs this year. He's the best player at his position by a significant margin. His two playoff games were different. During the 35-31 win over the Ravens, he caught 7 balls for 108 yards and caught a TD pass. The 45-7 win over the Colts was a blowout where the Pats just ran the ball for most of the game. Gronkowsky caught 3 passes for 28 yards and only one TD, but that's only because they didn't need him. The Seahawks have an amazing pass defense. That secondary they have is special. There are all kinds of questions about how they will defend Gronk. Should they put their biggest safety Kam Chancellor on him one on one or put one of the linebackers out there to shadow Gronk? It will probably be a number of things where they play different styles of defenses. Look for LB's to hit him by the line and then Chancellor will be waiting over the top. If Gronkowski has a big game with 100+ yards and 2 TDs then the Pats probably win. My feeling is he'll end up with around 75 yards with one TD, but there's no way the Seahawks let him dominate this game too much.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
