New England Patriots: Who Are the Pats' 3 Offensive X Factors?

The New England Patriots may not have a big-time wide receiver anymore with the departure of Randy Moss last year, so it may be deceiving how well New England's receiving corps really is. 

The Patriots top two wide receivers, Deion Branch and Wes Welker, are both under 6'0" tall and are considered by most football critics not to be number one wide receivers. So how does New England get by offensively?

X Factors.

Here are New England's three offensive X factors.

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @     TonySantorsa.  

Aaron Hernandez

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Tight end Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots runs for yards after the catch against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won 45-3. (Photo by Elsa/Getty

Aaron Hernandez is a match up nightmare. The Patriots' tight end is built like a tight end, can run routes like a wide receiver and runs like a running back in open space. Hernandez is simply a freak of nature. 

Hernandez is almost New England's version of the Indianapolis Colts' tight end Dallas Clark.

2010 was Hernandez's rookie season, and he played like a seasoned veteran. The former Florida Gator reeled in 45 balls, which was good enough for 563 yards, six touchdowns and a very impressive 6.7 yards after catch. 

As Hernandez will enter his second year in the NFL next season, it's safe to say that we all should expect huge numbers out of him. 

Rob Gronkowski

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 14: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 14, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski became one of Tom Brady's most reliable receivers in the red zone this past season.

Gronkowski played in all 16 games for New England. He caught 42 passes for 546 yards and set a franchise record for rookie tight ends with ten touchdowns.

As New England can line up with both tight ends, Hernandez and Gronkowski, it will allow New England to be extremely flexible offensive as both players cause match up problems for opposing defenses.

Gronkowski is the ideal tight end size as he stands in at 6'6" and weights 265 lbs, and is athletic enough to beat most linebackers and strong safeties in coverage.

As Gronkowski will have more time to develop as Brady's favorite red zone target this offseason and in training camp, I am expecting his production to leap forward tremendously.  

Danny Woodhead

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

After Danny Woodhead joined the Patriots prior to the team's week two matchup against the New York Jets, he quickly emerged into a fan favorite—and also one of the team's top offensive weapons.

New England's top of the league third-down running back, Kevin Faulk, went down with a torn ACL in week two, which opened the door for Woodhead.

Woodhead not only became the Patriots' third-down running back, but he was always a change of pace back.

In 2010, Woodhead's production was amazing as he ran for 547 yards while averaging a stellar 5.6 yards-per-carry and ran in five touchdowns. While receiving, he snagged 34 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown.

Woodhead may be the team's change of pace running back for the future, but he may also be the Patriots' most important offensive weapon as he's the team's top X factor.