Patriots vs. Giants: Why Rob Gronkowski's Health Is Critical for Super Bowl XLVI

Perhaps no name has been as popular this week as New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, and with good reason. The health of his ankle figures to be a focal point of Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants.

Although his health isn't a deal-breaker for the Giants, his lack of health wouldn't absolutely destroy New England's chances of winning the game. His presence, though, will make a huge difference.

The Patriots tight end has proven to be an uncoverable monster this season. When targeting his favorite tight end, Brady is 104-for-139 passing for 1,537 yards, 20 touchdowns, three interceptions with a passer rating of 141.1. In other words, he's pretty good when throwing to Gronkowski.

The Giants have been effective against tight ends this season, just not so much against Gronkowski, who had eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown against them in Week 9. If Gronkowski isn't able to be effective, the Giants could likely take away the Patriots tight ends.

However, if he's near full health or at least effective, the Patriots could really take advantage of some matchups that they were able to exploit in their last meeting.

We get further evidence of just how important his presence is, though, in a video from Carissa Thompson of Numbers Never* Lie.

Yep, it seems that the ferocious mountain lion that is the Giants pass rush is about as fierce as a house cat when facing two tight end sets, against which they logged just four sacks. Even if Gronkowski can only contribute as a blocker, the Patriots may look to do so.

Why would they, though, when they can just enlist the help of one of their tackles as an extra linemen? 

Heck, offensive tackle Nate Solder was recruited out of high school as a tight end. He could be this year's Mike Vrabel to make an appearance at that spot, should the Patriots need to call on someone other than Gronkowski.

That's great in the red zone, where his 6'8" frame will easily win jump-ball situations, but something tells me that's not going to work inside the 20s (could it have anything to do with Solder being 319 pounds?)

Gronkowski is Tom Brady's favorite target on third down not named Wes Welker. What's more, Gronkowski has 17 receptions for 223 yards and six touchdowns on third down according to PatsFans.com.

The question becomes whether someone else can step up in his spot. Aaron Hernandez (22) and Deion Branch (21) have been Brady's next two favorite targets on third down, but neither have been as reliable on said down as Gronkowski. The next man up on the list? Chad Ochocinco, with a whopping nine third-down targets.

Whether the Patriots are able to slow down the Giants pass rush and keep their drives moving will rely on how healthy Gronkowski truly is. As it is, it sounds like he's just taking it "day to day."

Erik Frenz is the co-host of the PatsPropaganda and Frenz podcast. Follow Erik on Twitter.