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08:01 AM ET 01.14 | No matter how much longer they're on it, the Patriots' playoff ride will no longer include tight end Rob Gronkowski. But now for the burning question this morning: can they still accomplish the mission without him? Can the Pats get to the Super Bowl, and close the deal without their all-world tight end? The answer to the first part of the Super Bowl query really isn't all that difficult. They can beat Baltimore next week without Gronk. ... Might not having his presence in the red zone hurt them against the San Francisco 49ers or Atlanta Falcons should they get to the Super Bowl? Perhaps, but not having their 6-foot-6, 265-pound matchup nightmare isn't going to prevent them from getting there.

Rob Gronkowski, Icon Sports

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January 14, 2013 08:07 AM ET

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Next man up...

Otis B. Driftwood

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January 14, 2013 08:14 AM ET

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They've been without Gronk for the last few weeks, effectively. They were without Hernandez early in the season.

See where it's gotten them?

Debbie Does

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January 14, 2013 08:17 AM ET

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Pats will be fine. But, still trying to figure out how he initially broke his forearm blocking on an extra point.

Hatrunner

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January 14, 2013 08:21 AM ET

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They should get by, but it won't be easy!!!

Not4Nutten

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January 14, 2013 08:23 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 08:17 AM ET 01.14 by Hatrunner

Pats will be fine. But, still trying to figure out how he initially broke his forearm blocking on an extra point.

They will. I'm wondering if Gronk is.............fragile?

UtahFriday

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January 14, 2013 08:40 AM ET

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Makes me wonder if the docs let Gronk go back out there to play before the forearm break had
healed.

THE BISHOP!

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January 14, 2013 08:54 AM ET

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Remember, it was the Texans they were playing - the team with the least momentum going into the playoffs. Pats are better with Gronk but are talented enough to win without him.

SouthernBlueFan

Auburn , AL

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January 14, 2013 08:58 AM ET

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I'm sure they are, but lets face it they would be a lot happier with him on the field. I was happy to see that Shane Vereen has healed from his achilles tear. I was hoping the 49ers would take either Kendall Hunter or Shane Vereen, both are mirror images of one another. Vereen being a little heavier.

narrator

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January 14, 2013 08:59 AM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 08:40 AM ET 01.14 by THE BISHOP!

Makes me wonder if the docs let Gronk go back out there to play before the forearm break hadhealed.

As a Ravens fan i am very glad they did Pontiff !

Harry Crack

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January 14, 2013 09:05 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:23 AM ET 01.14 by UtahFriday

They will. I'm wondering if Gronk is.............fragile?

tsk tsk....you said the f word

High Plains Drifter.

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January 14, 2013 09:08 AM ET

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Glad Gronk will be out. We don't have the personnel to match up with that freak of nature. Our LB's is too slow and too short for him.

Illegal Mexicans

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January 14, 2013 09:16 AM ET

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Pats will have someone else step up. Numerous players can step in and take his place and they have another TE to step in for him, other than Hernandez, who may not be as good overall, is a good blocker and is a reliable reciever. Thats the difference between a winning and losing team in pro sports, the ability to adjust your players and play calling depending on who is available. And as the Pats showed on Sunday, they are the best at it.

Bostonctyofchamps

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January 14, 2013 09:17 AM ET

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They still have Welker. As long as they have somebody who's effective over the middle they'll be just fine.

Devi8ed

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January 14, 2013 09:17 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 08:59 AM ET 01.14 by Harry Crack

As a Ravens fan i am very glad they did Pontiff !

How did you let that happen, Harry?

THE BISHOP!

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January 14, 2013 09:22 AM ET

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New England can score on any team, with or without Gronkowski. Obviously, they would love to have the big guy healthy, but they still have lots of weapons.

Looking forward to this rematch with the Raisins. I see an extremely motivated Patriots squad laying a beat down on Joe Flaccid and his vintage (as in "OLD") defense.

Rex Racer

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January 14, 2013 09:25 AM ET

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QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET 01.14 by Rex Racer

New England can score on any team, with or without Gronkowski. Obviously, they would love to have the big guy healthy, but they still have lots of weapons.Looking forward to this rematch with the Raisins. I see an extremely motivated Patriots squad laying a beat down on Joe Flaccid and his vintage (as in "OLD") defense.

Flacco's QB rating against your Pats is a lot better than Brady's QB ratings against my Ravens. So who exactly is Flaccid???