The Fundamentals of Open Field Tackling with Gronk
The New England Patriots really don't lose all that often.
On these rare occasions, there's usually some weird shit going down.
Their recent loss in Miami would certainly qualify.
Inexplicably, the desperate series of laterals on the final play of the game that never, ever work actually did for the Dolphins:
IT'S A MIRACLE IN MIAMI pic.twitter.com/PvNMIaXBAB
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 9, 2018
Of course, we're legally obliged to call this the Miami Miracle, as both words do in fact begin with the same letter.
That was very exciting, but these types of plays hardly ever happen for a reason.
This play raises a number of alarming questions, but the most disturbing one involves Pats TE Rob Gronkowski.
For whatever reason, the noted party bus operator was on the field for the fateful play, which began on the Miami 31-yard line.
Gronk predictably failed to make the tackle on Kenyan Drake, and looked really feeble in the process.
We're going to give the lumbering galoot a pass on this one though, as he isn't a free safety by trade.
Everyone was baffled by the Dark Lord's dubious strategy.
On the last play: Gronk said every time he’s played that last line of defense role in practice it’s been for a Hail Mary, but multiple Patriots defenders said they knew it was too far for anything but laterals.
— Nora Princiotti (@NoraPrinciotti) December 9, 2018
One #Dolphins player said they were surprised to see Gronk on the field for that final play. “We weren’t throwing a Hail Mary. They had to know that, right?” #Patriots
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 9, 2018
Well, it would appear not.
It seems that Bill Belichick may have hoodwinked himself on this one.
In fact, the Dolphins were even relieved to see Gronk on the field in this situation.
Ryan Tannehill, talking about the last play: “I was like, ‘Gronk’s on the field. We got this.’”
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) December 9, 2018
To his credit, the White House groupie did take responsibility for the missed tackle, even though he shouldn't have been anywhere near this play.
Hmmm, Gronk may be on the fritz again.