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New England Patriots: 5 observations from Super Bowl LIII clincher

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 20: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 20: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Rob Gronkowski is still clutch

One of the best parts about the AFC Championship victory was the big plays the New England Patriots got from Rob Gronkowski.

While his blocking stood out in the Divisional Round win, Gronkowski bought both his blocking and pass catching to Kansas City.  With six receptions for 79 yards, Gronk was simply Gronk again.

He started the game with a couple catches and was vital down the stretch coming up with a huge 25-yard reception over Eric Berry that set up a touchdown.  He did it again in overtime on a big third-down conversion on the winning drive.  For Rob Gronkowski, it was a good feeling to help his team win and advance to the big game once again.

"“It felt good,” Gronkowski said.  “The way the guys have been fighting all year long – the way we fought this game – I couldn’t be more proud to be on this team.  I’m more proud to be out here with the boys – how hard we just kept fighting.  Defense, offense, special teams, a victory on the road, AFC Championship Game.  It was one of my sweeter victories, definitely, in my career.”"

The way Rob Gronkowski has adjusted his game to impact the game other than catching passes and touchdowns has shown the growth and maturity of him as a football player this season. It was good to see vintage Gronk re-emerge in a big moment in a big game when the New England Patriots really needed him.

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