As the Patriots set to move on without Rob Gronkowski, their offense will need to first account for the major change.
Gronk was one of the great mismatch-producing advantages that any offense ever boasted. There will be no replacing him, just approaching his absence with the notion that there will altered strategies, and maybe soon-to-be-acquired pass-catching personnel, whether it be via trade of the NFL draft.
But like how the Patriots switched from a high-flying shotgun attack revolved around Randy Moss, to a two-tight end system with Gronk and Aaron Hernandez back in 2010, the team will have to re-tool, and re-shape their offense in 2019.
The good news is, the Patriots’ chameleon-like approach to attacking defenses makes the process easier, as the team already began to mold their offense around new players and strategies in 2018.
Last season, Gronkowski averaged his fewest yards per game (52.4) since his rookie season.
In fact, after dropping two consecutive games to the Dolphins and Steelers in December, New England regained their footing by pounding the rock in wins against the Bills and Jets in Weeks 16 and 17. The team rushed for 404 yards in those two contests, and averaged 31 points per game. Gronkowski had just two catches on three targets in both games, while Brady threw for four touchdowns in the win over the Jets, with none of them going to Gronk.
It will be tough, but Brady and New England can survive his retirement.
And since Brady will be 42 years old next season, the Patriots’ 50-plus pass attempt approach will likely be reserved for stout defenses in do-or-die situations in January and February.
After a 1-2 start last season due to a gimpy Gronk, initially-absent Julian Edelman and subpar receiving group overall, the team went on a six-game winning streak, with major help from James White. Brady leaned heavily on White, as the scatback received 61 targets in those six games, reeling in 47 catches and scoring eight touchdowns (rushing and receiving) during that stretch.
With Michel running behind a stout, Dante Scarrnechia-coached offensive line, White is the perfect compliment as one of team’s most reliable receivers. Each of the them were the focal point of the offense during various points of the season, and that should continue, if not, amplify, in Gronkowski’s absence. As a hybrid between those two very different running backs, Rex Burkhead should mix in as well.
No matter which additional pass catchers New England brings in between now and September, the Patriots will likely look to establish the run more often in 2019.
But until the roster is fully set, pinpointing exactly how the Patriots’ offense will pan out is a tough task. Frankly, that was always the case, even with Gronkowski. New England has always found success in being unpredictable, on both sides of the ball.
It helps to have Brady and Belichick. Chances are, they’ll add additional pass catchers and reshape their offense to find success, once more.
