New York Giants not ignoring New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski – NFL News
With just a few more days left in the Super Bowl XLVI matchup, the status of New England Patriots’ tight end, Rob Gronkowski, is uncertain. However, New York Giants, despite the player’s injury reports, are not ignoring Gronkowski, who, if plays, will be the most favourable receiver of quarterback Tom Brady’s passes.
While sharing views on Gronkowski and the speculation about his participation in the game, New York Giants’ coaches and players said on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, that they are going to prepare as if Gronkowski is going to start the game for Patriots.
“The speculation of if he will or if he won’t, that’s very difficult, because you can only use study,” Giants’ defensive coordinator said of Gronkowski.
Fewell added:
“He’s been in every football game they’ve played this year so what do they do without him. It’s a difficult thing.”
Gronkowski was injured during the American Football Conference (AFC) championship game against Baltimore Ravens.
A high ankle sprain has prevented him from taking part in practice sessions since the championship game. He did not even practised on Wednesday.
Gronkowski, playing in just his second professional National Football League (NFL) season, started all the 16 games in the regular season.
He had 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns with an average of 14.7 yards per reception.
During two playoff games, Gronkowski had 15 receptions for 232 yards and three touchdowns with an average of 15.5 yards per reception.
The Pats are uncertain about his status for the big game, and head coach, Bill Belichick, has also not given any confirmed report regarding the player’s status.
However, Giants’ head coach, Tom Coughlin, is sure about the tight end’s participation in the game.
When asked about Gronkowski, Coughlin said:
“Not to belittle the question, I really do think he’ll play. It sounds like he’s making great progress.”
Giants’ safety, Kenny Phillips, had earlier said about Gronkowski that “he is a different type of monster”.
However, he maintained that Giants’ defence would be able to guard Gronkowski properly.
He remarked:
“He’s huge. He’s a big body, and he can run. He’s a physical guy and he can catch the ball really well. He’s definitely a match-up problem for most, but I think we’re up for the challenge.”
The Super Bowl XLVI matchup will be played on February 5.
Gronkowski is one of the key weapons for Patriots against Giants, and his absence can even cost Patriots the Super Bowl.
However, his status is still not clear and Giants are rightly not ignoring him.
You can view live coverage and analysis of the Super Bowl XLVI by http://answers.bettor.com/Users/Robert-California-u3050 on Sunday, 11:00pm, GMT
Tags: