One of the keys to Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons will be stopping the tight end. In this case it will be Tony Gonzelez. Since losing Rodney Harrison to a season ending injury last year, the Pats have done a dismal job in stopping the opposing teams tight ends. The trend has continued into this season.
The responsibility in Sunday's game will fall on one of the hybrids: Brandon McGowan. Harrsion excelled in tight end coverage. To shut down Gonzalez will be a monumental task. The former first round pick and 13 year veteran is the NFL career leader for receptions by a tight end (928), yards, (11,084) and TD's ( 78).
He was traded in the off-season to the Falcons from the Kansas City Chiefs where he spent his previous 12 seasons. Gonzalez requested a trade after missing out on the playoffs for many seasons. Coach Belichick denied any trade talks about acquiring Gonzalez prior to this season.
Although GM Scott Pioli accommodated Gonzalez's request, the Pats were not in the mix. Coach Belichick cited the salary cap impact of Gonzalez.
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