Gronk-less Pats Perhaps Permanent

By now we all know that the New England Patriots Super Bowl aspirations took a severe hit (pardon the pun) this past Sunday courtesy of the Cleveland Browns T.J. Ward. His hit on Rob Gronkowski in the third quarter of a 27-26 loss significantly changed the direction of the playoff bound Patriots. A needed surge was powered by the four year veteran out of Arizona, and that's just what New England got. Take a snap shot, for it may very well be the last we see of the Gronk as we have known him. 

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In seven games this year he had 39 receptions for 592 yards four touchdowns. But more importantly was his ability to  bring a middle of the pack offense to top three in the AFC. Not to be any more. The 24 year old all pro will soon go under the knife for the seventh time in the last thirteen months, and in a game as physical as the one he plays, that does not help his long term status. His unique style of reckless abandon is part and parcel of his downfall. Receivers now are taught to avoid physical contact, but Gronkowski, to his credit, welcomes such impact. He's a throwback to a style that has seemingly passed. Not afraid to "stick his nose in there" if you will.
Unfortunately, it would behoove the Patriots to prepare for football life without Gronk. The short term again is obvious, but in their heart of hearts as players and an organization, they have to be considering that. You age more quickly in football years as compared to others. And in just over one calendar year, he's had a lifetime of surgeries.