5 reasons New England Patriots will win Super Bowl 53

4. Target Rob Gronkowski early and often

He was supposedly on his last legs and destined for retirement after the season. One of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history appeared to be slowing down this past season. But Rob Gronkowski proved that he had more than just a little left in the tank in the team’s overtime win at Kansas City in the AFC title game.

The nine-year pro and veteran quarterback Tom Brady collaborated for several key plays in the club’s six-point win. He finished the afternoon with six catches for 79 yards in the 37-31 overtime triumph at Arrowhead Stadium. Now he takes on a Los Angeles Rams’ defense led by Wade Phillips, who knows a little something about the talented tight end’s capabilities (see the ’15 AFC Championship Game at Denver). While Gronkowski’s numbers were down during the regular season, he’s assumed a much different role in 2018 and has no qualms about it.

“Whatever coaches call, whatever plays we call…blocking, receiving, no matter what is, whatever play is called, just got to go out there and do your job,” said the sure-handed target to Kyle Hightower of the Associated Press.

So could Brady and Gronkowski put on a show vs. the Rams’ linebackers and safeties? The latter know that he and the most prolific quarterback in NFL postseason history are capable of big things. “You’ve got to have confidence in each other,” added Gronkowski. “That’s what practice is all about. That’s knowing each other is all about…That’s the trust that we have with each other. We love playing with each other. Just a bond we have, to go out there and always be on the same page.”

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