TIGHT END
The Patriots needed one touchdown drive to win the game. Rob Gronkowski made it happen.
On the first play of the series, Gronkowski sold run block, then leaked out and brought in an over-the-shoulder grab against Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam for an 18-yard gain. On the fourth play, the Rams had some last-second confusion matching the Patriots’ personnel. Linebacker Cory Littleton got stuck on Gronkowski, and the Patriots went right to it for a 29-yard gain down the seam. That play set up the go-ahead touchdown.
The Pats used Gronk to chip Ndamukong Suh at times. He generated yards after the catch on short routes. He kicked out to open the hole on a 26-yard run by Rex Burkhead that sealed the win.