1. Rob Gronkowski will be held to less than four catches in Week 1
The Houston Texans defense is fully healthy and features some big-time playmakers. They have several players who are strong candidates to matchup against Rob Gronkowski. Houston will do everything they can to keep him from betting them.
Houston has linebackers Zach Cunningham and Benardrick McKinney manning the middle of the field. They both are excellent athletes with the length and instincts to get into passing lanes.
Cunningham especially brings rare length to the interior linebacker spot. He’s someone who knows how to feel developing routes and get in front of the pass. It’s going to be tough sledding for Tom Brady and Gronkowski over the middle.
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Tyrann Mathieu is Houston’s newest defensive weapon. He’s a versatile defender who works all over the field. His coverage ability combines fluid movements, strong instincts and physicality.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Texans double team Gronkowski with Mathieu and Cunningham.
The Texans also bring a ferocious pass rush led by J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. Brady is going to have to get rid of the ball quickly in order to avoid the pressure. This will limit the amount of downfield shots.
It strikes me as the type of game where James White gets a lot of targets. The Patriots are always adjusting their gameplan so it’s tough to pinpoint how they’ll handle each week.