New England Patriots: Top Four Positional Battles To Watch
By Cyrus Geller
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a touchdown pass over Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright (50) during the second quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tight End
When opposing defenses see Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler barreling down the field towards them, I’m not sure how they are going to react. Gronk is without a doubt the best offensive weapon in the game, largely due to his huge frame (6’6, 265).
Scott Chandler is bigger.
Obviously he isn’t better, but when Gronk is the smaller of two tight ends in the red zone, it is going to be damn near impossible for defenses to effectively cover them. If you want to double and triple Gronkowski, all Brady has to do is toss the ball up to the 6’7 Chandler, who can easily make the play over any linebacker, safety, or cornerback that has to try and cover him.
Gronkowski and Chandler are locks to make the roster, but Tim Wright, Michael Hoomanawanui, and A.J. Derby will all be fighting for one, possibly two tight ends spots over the summer. Hooman really stepped up in the playoffs last season, and is a very good backup tight end. However Wright is the younger of the two, and brings much more to the table in the receiving aspect of the game. It will be fun to see the three of them battle this summer to try and make the final cut.
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