Rams Notes: Rob Gronkowski's injury leaves Rams wondering about Patriots offenseBy JACK WANG / STAFF WRITER
THOUSAND OAKS – The Rams are heading to New England as nearly two-touchdown underdogs. A season-ending injury to the league’s best tight end, it would seem, can only help their chances at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
But the Patriots’ announcement Thursday that Rob Gronkowski will likely sit out the rest of the year after undergoing back surgery might also throw a wrench into the Rams’ week of preparation.
“Now, we don’t know what to expect out of their offense,” Coach Jeff Fisher said.
While there is no understating how valuable Gronkowski is to the Patriots (9-2), there is plenty of evidence that New England can function without its four-time Pro Bowler.
The 27-year-old has missed three games this season due to injuries, and the Patriots won all three. The only time quarterback Tom Brady took the field without Gronkowski this season, he ended up throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns – though it certainly helped to be playing the 49ers, who are winless since beating the Rams (4-7) to open the season.
But a larger sample size could concern the Pats. Gronkowski has missed 19 games since he arrived in New England in 2010 as a second-round draft pick. Brady has started in all but two. In those 17 appearances, Brady – who has passer rating of 101.1 in the last seven seasons – saw that number plummet to 84.4.
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