Talib takes shot at media over question about Gronk’s effectiveness...

Aqib Talib takes shot at media over question about Gronk's effectiveness

Cameron DaSilva

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

The Los Angeles Rams are going to have their hands full in the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots’ offensive weapons. There’s Julian Edelman in the slot, Sony Michel in the backfield, James White catching passes as a running back and Rob Gronkowski running up the seam at 6-foot-6, 268 pounds.

Good luck containing all of those players with Tom Brady, a future Hall of Famer, steering the ship at quarterback.

Gronkowski may have had a down year in 2018 with just 47 catches for 682 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams aren’t taking him lightly. They know the massive and supremely athletic tight end is a matchup nightmare, even at this point in his career.

Aqib Talib was asked at Opening Night whether Gronk has lost a step and in turn, took a jab at the media for questioning the Patriots tight end.

Gronkowski certainly didn’t have his typical season in the range of 70 catches for 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns despite only missing three games, but that doesn’t mean the tight end has lost a step. The Chiefs certainly learned that the hard way in the AFC championship.

Gronkowski caught six passes for 79 yards, including a few key third-down grabs late in the game. He’s still a difficult matchup for undersized defensive backs and slower linebackers because of the athleticism he possesses. The Rams will likely try to stop him with safety John Johnson, who has done a good job covering tight ends this season.

If Gronkowski gets going, the Rams could be in for a long day defensively.