Fansided

The 5 most important players in the Super Bowl

By James Simpson II

Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after beating the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after beating the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Rob Gronkowski

I’ve been saying all year that the biggest X-factor for the Patriots was the health of tight end Rob Gronkowski (82 rec, 1,124 receiving yards, 12 TD catches). The dude is simply a game-changer and a handful for opponents to deal with. Gronk is a 6’6’, 265-pound explosive and physical mismatch that will drive any defense insane and it’s going to be interesting to see how the Seahawks stifling defense matches up with him.

The Patriots tend to move Gronk all over the field and they usually use two-tight-end sets, so expect them to continue that against the Seahawks. Whether he’s catching passes downfield, working the middle of the field, or just picking up yards after the catch, Gronk usually makes his presence felt throughout the game. Given how valuable he is to the Patriots success, don’t be surprised if Tom Brady’s favorite target wounds up being the biggest factor in the Super Bowl. It’s in play.

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