New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 things to watch

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FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 01: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

5. Rob Gronkowski vs. Buccaneers linebackers

This is perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the game.

Rob Gronkowski is perhaps not 100 percent after being added to the injury report this week, but is unquestionably the main area of focus for opposing defenses when going up against the wide array of weaponry in New England.

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One way to neutralize Gronkowski is having linebackers that can cover. In fact, neutralizing a lot of what the Patriots do offensively deals with having linebackers that are competent in coverage. If you can’t cover backs out of the backfield or keep up with the Patriots’ athletic tight ends, you are in for a long day.

It just so happens that four of the top five Buccaneers in Pro Football Focus coverage grade are linebackers.

That doesn’t include the aforementioned T.J. Ward, either.

Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander, and Kendell Beckwith have all been very solid in coverage so far this year for the Bucs, and will all play major roles in stopping — or attempting to stop — Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski.

We’ll see if they are up to the task.

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