With a Healthy Rob Gronkowski, No One Will Stop New England Patriots in 2012

Residents of New England need not fear a long hangover from Super Bowl XLVI, since there is absolutely no way Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots will mope around and limp into next season. In 2012, with a healthy roster—and with tight end Rob Gronkowski back at 100 percent—the Patriots will almost certainly be on a mission to prove they haven't lost their edge.

Gronkowski's injury was huge for New England during Sunday's game. He was visibly struggling with his badly sprained left ankle, despite his protestations that he was 100 percent. He had no explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and couldn't separate from coverage like we had seen him do all season long. 

He finished the Super Bowl with just two catches for 26 yards, and Brady only targeted him three times. That was it for Gronkowski, who broke single-season records for yards (1,327) and touchdowns (17) for a tight end.

His ineffectiveness was a huge blow to New England's offense.

This offseason the Patriots have to address several issues, most notably on defense. But receiver Wes Welker is almost certain to be back next season despite his status as an unrestricted free agent. New England also must find a suitable No. 2 receiver. While Deion Branch has been great for the Patriots during his career, he is clearly a step slow and the team could use an upgrade at that spot.

Adding a viable second wideout would take pressure off of Welker, Brady and Gronkowski.

Judging by how hard he took Sunday night's loss, Brady won't be relaxing this offseason. In fact, I'd be shocked if he didn't work twice as hard and push himself to the absolute limits in preparation for next season. 

If he is that focused and his weapons are all healthy, there is little reason to doubt the Patriots will return to the Super Bowl next year.