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My guess is that for Sunday, we may see Gronk major more in low crossing routes, curls, outs, and isolated situations outside the numbers where boundary throws are less likely to draw contact from an unseen charging safety.
Great X-and-O read from Matt Chatham!
I think the big thing to remember is to win the war, not push it and lose an important piece in a September battle. That said, I’m not sure Belichick is one to tread lightly when players are coming back from injury. If they’re cleared to play they’re going to play as much as they’re capable of, risks be damned.
But is there a universe where I would prefer to see Gronk only in the red zone and third downs with limited in-line blocking opportunities? Sure. But let’s also remember that two of his major injuries came running down the middle of the field and another came while simply blocking an extra point.
Given the Pats lack of depth at tight end it’s not quite that easy to protect him. In a perfect world, they would’ve added a big Y tight end to spell Gronk but that was not to be. Instead we can only hope that Hoomanawanui gets back to full health and is able to help prevent Gronk from getting thrown right into the fire.
Maybe Welker’s 2010 (subscription required) can provide a little insight since he was also coming off a late-season ACL tear.
Gronk Flex!
I’m back from vacation and slowly getting back into the blogging saddle. Hard to believe the season is fast approaching….
(via Patriots joint practice with the Eagles – August 14, 2014)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/gronk-flex-im-back-from-vacation-and-slowly/
“This week was an opportunity for him to re-up the treatments and less on the field work,” Belichick said. Belichick applauded Gronkowski’s hard work and dedication in the team facilities to reach this point, but knows that the tight end still has work to do.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/this-week-was-an-opportunity-for-him-to-re-up-the/
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
https://www.patspropaganda.com/designingsport-rob-gronkowski-new-england-5/
And we’re off! It’s an exciting time of year as the Pats are back at it in Foxboro and all is right with the world.
Fade passes in end zone a big part of today’s practice. WR Kenbrell Thompkins with one of the best plays of practice to snare one.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss)
#Patriots DT Vince Wilfork: “So far, so good” with regard to his Achilles. He practiced fully today.
— Erik Scalavino (@E_Scal)
Gronk practiced with a black brace on his left arm an one on his right knee.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ)
Gronk was limited today. Practiced for an hour and 15 minutes before observing. No 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills for him.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe)
Jimmy Garoppolo’s fade touch was ballyhooed in pre draft process an he’s been true to that in offseason. Just laid a perfect RZ fade to KT
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran)
Super excited to be back on the practice field with my teammates! Gotta keep on working if ya know what I mean!
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) July 23, 2014
https://www.patspropaganda.com/super-excited-to-be-back-on-the-practice-field/