Patriots vs. Giants: New York Must Capitalize on Rob Gronkowski's Injury

If the New York Giants want to win the Super Bowl in 2012, they have to have a full-time game plan that will allow them to capitalize on Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury.

It may be the biggest advantage the Giants have in this game, as even their stellar defensive line will have trouble slowing down the ultra-collected Tom Brady.

First and foremost, though, we need to get an update on Gronkowski, who hurt his ankle in the AFC championship game. Nationalpost.com sources NBC, who quotes Patriots' coach Bill Belichick:

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Rob Gronkowski’s ankle has been the talk of Super Bowl week, but New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says the tight end will “definitely” play against the New York Giants, according to NBC.

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It looks as if Gronk is going to give it a go.

There are a few questions that the Giants are going to have to explore before the Super Bowl in light of this news:

How effective in Gronkowski going to be?

Consider the fact that he came into Indianapolis a week ago wearing a walking boot, and his status has been up in the air all week.

He may be able to play, but how well will he be able to play?

The second question is equally as important, and it's one that perhaps not even Belichick can answer right now:

How Will The Patriots Use Him?

This question will be answered based off his effectiveness. If Gronkowski goes out on the field and looks like his normal dominant self, expect the Patriots to use him in the same capacity we've grown used to.

If he's slowed down at all by the injury, though, perhaps Belichick will keep him out there as a threat and use him more as a diversion. Either way, that leads to the final question, which may be the most vital of them all.

How Will The Giants Stop Him?

If Gronkowski is good to go and healthy, he is truly one of the most intimidating and explosive play-makers in the NFL. He's essentially a star wide receiver in the body of a superstar tight end, which makes him an incredibly dangerous option for Tom Brady.

How do you stop a guy like this?

Expect the Giants to use their linebackers to chip at his route and try to get him off rhythm, and don't be surprised if the defensive ends do the same when he's lined up at tight end.

If he's being used as a decoy that presents a different problem though, as even a decoy Gronk is a very dangerous Gronk.

The Giants are going to always have to be mindful where he is, and they can't just let him slip away.

Expect both the linebackers and safeties to always know where he is, especially if he's looking good.

So...

What I'm trying to say is that if the Giants are smart, which we know they are, they are going to do everything they can to neutralize Gronkowski.

First they have to ask those questions and figure out what exactly he's going to be bringing to the table, and then they have to make the necessary adjustments.

Don't fool yourself into thinking that he will automatically be ineffective.

Like I said, even a hurt Gronk is a good Gronk, so the Giants are going to have to do everything they can to capitalize on the fact that he's most likely not at 100 percent.