We know Gronk was hurt in the ribs, results were negative. What does negative mean? Obviously no break or hairline fracture but if the ribs give and 'bounce' back, they can be sore for some time.
I'm thinking about this common play he makes with Brady. He cuts up the middle of the field, extends his hands and the ball floats up over his head and in. but if you have sore ribs can you stretch to make that play? If they know you have sore ribs are you a target just to hit him there, even if it means taking a penalty?
the other side of this is Belickick may tend to bring stunts to get different guys to blitz up the middle into Brady's face. They both know that is a weakness for any pocket passer who doesn't run and Brady himself has said shut down the inside rush and let the outside go if you need to.
So, I'm curious, since AB is back and you can use Brate and our RB's are questionable blockers, might they set Gronk at the end and pull him to take down a backer or safety that tries to stunt inside? Make him more of a blocker this game and not much of a receiver. I also think they will try to take away the passing game some and keeping Gronk in as a blocker to establish a solid run game might be the best way to do this.
