Rob Gronkowski may be the most indispensable non-quarterback in football. With him on the field, the Patriots offense has been dominant since the second half of the 2010 season. Without him, the offense has sometimes stagnated. This season, slowing Gronkowski down and slowing the Patriots offense down have been basically the same thing.

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If the Patriots can keep the injury roulette wheel spinning their way, they will have a lethal pass offense to combine with their newly stifling pass defense, a combination that will be hard to beat. That might be the most important “if” of the NFL season.