Rob Gronkowski Injury: Drawing Up Giants' Gameplan for Containing Injured TE

According to Josh Alper of NBC Sports, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski missed practice on Wednesday:

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The Patriots released their official practice participation report for Wednesday and, as expected, tight end Rob Gronkowski didn’t take part.

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That being said, Alper added that Gronk is still expected to play:

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There are two more practices this week and Gronkowski’s status for those sessions is unknown. The team is investigating a special cleat for him to wear on Sunday, but all indications remain that he will be on the field.

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Therefore, the New York Giants must prepare for the expected as well as unexpected before Super Bowl XLVI kicks off. As for how to prepare and gameplan, here's what The Big Blue Wrecking Crew must do to limit Gronk's production.

No Free Releases

This holds true for a lot of receiving targets in this game, but even more so when discussing Rob Gronkowski. Also, there's a difference between press coverage from a corner and not allowing a receiver or tight end a free release from the line.

In this case, anytime Gronk lines up near the offensive tackle the opposing linebacker and defensive end to that side must jam him at the snap. Being that Gronkowski may not be 100 percent, remaining physical will only wear him down faster.

Also, that helps those in coverage have more time to dissect the developing play, thus reacting faster and smarter.

If Gronk is left to a free release off the line, it makes finding the zone soft spots and beating man coverage easier. Plus, Tom Brady won't need to wait an extra second to release the ball which is a major difference when it comes to applying pressure.

Double Coverage

Likely the most obvious, but at the same time, vitally important.

None of the Giants linebackers will be able to hand with Gronkowski down the seam, on a corner route or when he's running across the middle. There must always be a linebacker or safety to cover the inside, and a corner present on the outside.

In some sense, it's a double coverage scheme while in zone coverage but adjusting every zone to Gronk's pattern. As for doubling him up in man, that will have to come in the form of safety help over the top.

New York can't risk having two linebackers underneath because that opens up the rest of the intermediate routes. Whoever is responsible for Gronkowski in man coverage will need a spying safety to try and manipulate Brady.

In turn, jumping routes where the ball is being put into a small window or simply taking Gronkowski out of the play all together.

Gang Tackle

Regardless of how many time Gronkowski makes a catch, the Giants defense will need at least four players in on the tackle. The more you simply hit, wrap and drive Gronkowski into the ground, the less likely he is to get yards after the catch.

And from a mental perspective, whenever he goes up to make a catch the footsteps will be sounding off in his mind which may cause dropped passes.

Constantly hitting and making good, solid, strong tackles with multiple defenders every time the rock is in his possession. Also, even when a pass bounces off of Gronk's hands jacking him to keep the pain coming is needed.

New York needs to send a message that nothing will come easy or free whether he makes a catch or not. Every single attempt Gronk makes to record a reception, the Giants must knock him around. If not, Gronkowski will have a field day like he's done to opposing defenses all season.

John Rozum on Twitter.