New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions: Four Matchups To Watch

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) flips the ball to an official after a reception during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski vs. Detroit LB’s

This isn’t really supposed to be a competitive matchup, but more of one that could be entertaining for us Pats fans. Gronk is currently playing at an MVP-level, and the Lions don’t exactly have the best group of linebackers for pass coverage. DeAndre Levey is the workhorse backer for Detroit, and while he is certainly a very good NFL player, he will have absolutely no chance against someone like Gronkowski. The same can be said for Tahir Whitehead and Josh Bynes, who split time on the field mostly based on the situation.

With that said, if Detroit wants to have a chance at beating the Pats in Foxboro, they need to at least slow down Gronk. Whether it is bracketing him with Levey and a safety, or just sending the house at him every time he goes out for a pass, they need to contain him.

Of course, every team says that is a key to beating the Patriots, and every team fails miserably. And the Patriots are in luck, because one week after abusing Sergio Brown, they get to go after another former Patriot safety in James Ihedigbo, who is nearly as bad as Brown is.