New England Patriots: 5 keys to beating the Pittsburgh Steelers

1. Rob Gronkowski has absolutely obliterated the Steelers every time he’s faced them.

The single biggest positive takeaway from New England’s demoralizing loss in Miami was Rob Gronkowski’s coming-out party.

Held back by injuries all season long, Gronkowski exploded back into action in South Beach, posting a final stat line of eight catches on eight targets for 107 yards and a touchdown. Never mind the missed tackle at the end of the game – Gronk finally looked like his old, game-wrecking self on Sunday.

And that should scare the bejesus out of the Pittsburgh Steelers, more than any other team in the league.

The Steelers are giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year; a disturbing stat to read if you’re a Pittsburgh fan, knowing Rob Gronkowski is coming to town.

Gronk has bullied and bruised his way to 39 receptions for 664 yards and eight touchdowns in six career meetings with the Steelers. Those numbers are eye-popping enough on their own, but when you consider the head of steam he’s carrying with him into Heinz Field – especially after all the flak he received for missing that tackle on the Kenyan Drake game-winning score – it has all the makings of another career day for Gronkowski against the Steelers.