[SoupBro]

I just dont get why ESPN is making a huge deal about Gronk being out? Its like they rarely mention he was out alot of the 2nd half of the season and during that time Pats offense was still putting up tons of points. Yes he is the best TE in the league and a TD machine but Brady is the one QB who excels at giving everyone touches and not focusing on one guy. In week 3 against the Ravens Lloyd and Welker had huge games and we should have won. I can easily see Hernandez and Welker having big games and Vereen and Ridley creating problems.

[Sarcasm1]

Originally Posted by Hailsabin

But you had last year. You'll suffice.

Ravens on the other hand though...fuck you Billy Cundiff.

It seems like a lot of people blame last years loss on Cundiff more than Lee Evans. Its not like a field goal gets them the win.

[GOON The Legend]

Philadelphia fans are going to try and run Chip Kelly out of town by November for having a losing season.

Michael Vick is the biggest winner in all of this. Barring the Eagles going out and getting a stop-gag in Free Agency who can (somewhat) run Kelly's offense, he's going to stick around next season and continue to prove to the world that he's washed.

[Telos]

Originally Posted by Soupman Prime

I just dont get why ESPN is making a huge deal about Gronk being out? Its like they rarely mention he was out alot of the 2nd half of the season and during that time Pats offense was still putting up tons of points. Yes he is the best TE in the league and a TD machine but Brady is the one QB who excels at giving everyone touches and not focusing on one guy. In week 3 against the Ravens Lloyd and Welker had huge games and we should have won. I can easily see Hernandez and Welker having big games and Vereen and Ridley creating problems.

It's because ESPN making a big deal out of things is what ESPN does best. Usually they are best ignored.

But I thought this was interesting. Read it on Rotoworld.

The Patriots averaged 6.0 yards per play when Rob Gronkowski was on the field this season, compared to 5.4 when he was off of it.
Further, Tom Brady's completion percentage fell from 65.7 to 58.4 when Gronk wasn't on the field. The Pats boasted a 23:3 TD:INT ratio on snaps Gronk played, compared to 11:6 without him. Those numbers include four pass attempts, and one interception, from Ryan Mallett. Of course, the Patriots went 4-1 without Gronk in the regular season, but this is proof positive of how big of a factor his absence could be against the Ravens.
Related: Tom Brady
Source: ESPN.com Jan 15 - 10:02 PM

Losing Gronk isn't a back breaker (Brady has done more with less in the past), but it does make it harder for the Pats, especially in the red zone where he's such a force. He was a major weapon and now that's one less big target to work with. The Pats have gotten by without Edelman, though he is missed both as a receiver and a punt returner. But while you can replace his production at WR with Lloyd, and PR with Welker, you can't replace Gronk's production with Hoowanawhateverhisnameis. And I don't include Hernandez because he's always going to get his regardless of Gronk's involvement.

It's just that now the Pats are down to 3 targets that are trustworthy: Welker, Hernandez, and Lloyd. Gronk will be missed, but hopefully not enough to prevent the Pats from outscoring the Ravens on Sunday.

[GOON The Legend]

It's only a big deal b/c the Patriots would be nearly unstoppable with a healthy GRONK. Without him, the Patriots offense is human and can be stopped.

[Stad]

Originally Posted by Aid180

I surprised he changed his mind to be quite honest.

But I'll do my Chip Kelly research later. I'm still busy researching Chicago's new coach.

He's a solid coach, he was the best coach in the CFL by far. I watch CFL every week during the season and he has gave my Riders fits the years he was Al's coach. I'm just happy he's moved on to the NFL now, lol. I'm sure you will love em come next year this time.

[MrMister]

Well I guess I have to hate Chip Kelly now. First, his teams fails to beat Standford, leaving us with one of the most lopsided and ridiculously mismatched BCS title games I've ever seen. Now he's the HC of the Eagles. Please keep Vick, Chip. Please.


lolno Nick Saban is the best coach on college, then Les Miles. Not sure who is after those two.

[WWF]

Originally Posted by MrMister

Well I guess I have to hate Chip Kelly now. First, his teams fails to beat Standford, leaving us with one of the most lopsided and ridiculously mismatched BCS title games I've ever seen. Now he's the HC of the Eagles. Please keep Vick, Chip. Please.


lolno Nick Saban is the best coach on college, then Les Miles. Not sure who is after those two.

Chip could certainly make Vick work well, once again.

CFL = Canadian Football League. Trestman coached the Alouettes to 2 Grey Cups in his 5-year coaching stint in Montreal.

[MrMister]

Nah he can't help Vick from being killed and throwing INTs. Vick is a wasteland now. Though an Oline in Philly would be a good start. Please don't do it.

lol @ me and the CFL thing. Pretty obvious if I read how Stad bolded the Chicago part.

[Cobruh]

I want to see my Michigan Wolverines take home a ring this year, so I want it to be 49ers / Patriots.

then it's Brady or Manningham.