Rob Gronkowski vs. Kam Chancellor Is Most Intriguing Matchup In Super Bowl XLIX
David Butler II – USA TODAY Sports
Lost in all the hype and scrutiny surrounding Super Bowl XLIX is just how great of a matchup this game will be. Beyond the overall matchup, the individual matchups within the game offer some of the game’s best players going head to head.
Of course, you have quarterbacks Tom Brady and Russell Wilson squaring off, as well running backs Marshawn Lynch and LeGarrette Blount, just to name a few. However, this game’s most compelling and crucial matchup will be between New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor.
These two players present their respective units with game-changing assets. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end Gronkowski is as close to unguardable as you’re likely to find. He was second on the Patriots in receptions during the regular season with 82, and led the team in receiving yards, racking up 1,124.
Oh, and add on top of that 12 touchdowns this season, the most of any receiver or back by far. The next closest was Brandon LaFell with seven.
Responsible for making sure Gronk doesn’t do what Gronk normally does will be Chancellor, a Seahawks captain and the heart and soul of the league’s best defense. The strong safety, who stands at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, is as big and physical as any other safety in football. He finished the season with 78 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception, but his impact on this defense can’t simply be measured on a stat sheet. His leadership has helped Seattle’s defense be intimidating unit in the league.
So who has the edge? The winner of this matchup could significantly help his team earn a Super Bowl victory considering how important each player is to his team. I personally think Gronk will have the upper hand in this matchup simply because when he’s healthy, there may not be a player in the league who can guard him one-on-one.
His size, hands and freakish athleticism make him a nightmare, and even if he doesn’t touch the ball that much, he’ll still be a huge factor considering the adjustments the Seahawks will have to make to account for him.
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