New England Patriots: Reflecting on the best Brady-to-Gronk moments

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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 24: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Shiloh Keo #33 and Danny Trevathan #59 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Gronk’s fourth quarter against Denver, AFC Championship of 2016

In a game that was pure ugliness for New England, there was a glimmer of hope in the fourth quarter … and that hope was Gronkowski.

New England had their back against the wall facing a fourth and 10 with 90 seconds to go in the ball game. Brady was beat up, Gronkowski was exhausted, but the two hooked up, beating double coverage to keep the game alive. Gronk split the defenders on a “go” route, and Brady hit him for 40 yards.

The game was on the line AGAIN just four plays later. Facing a 4th and goal, Gronkowski was double covered but managed to find his way free in the back of the end zone. Brady hung in under pressure and found his big tight end.

The game was within two points, and on the two point conversion, Gronkowski was open. Unfortunately, Brady didn’t see him as he was avoiding the Denver pass rush. Gronk kept the game alive, and finished the game with eight grabs for 144 yards and a score in a losing effort.

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