Saints, Patriots tight ends Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski revolutionizing game

papz · 08-09-2012, 01:21 PM

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski couldn’t be much more opposite off the field.

Graham keeps a low-profile. Gronkowski ends up in tabloid magazines and TV shows.

Graham spends time flying planes and getting instrument rated. Gronkowski spends his time on the ground and in the spotlight.

But it’s what the two did on the field in 2011 that makes them so much alike.

Graham, the New Orleans Saints tight end, set an NFL record for receiving yards by a tight end in a year during the season finale, compiling 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns through mismatches during a 14-win campaign.

Literally minutes later, Gronkowski surpassed Graham’s total, ending the year with 1,326 yards and 18 touchdowns while providing mismatches equally as tantalizing as the Patriots made the Super Bowl.

Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Saints practicing against the Patriots in suburban Boston, the two found themselves the center of attention.

Saints linebacker Scott Shanle said their playing styles are completely different, Graham using his superior athleticism while Gronkowski takes advantage of his 6-foot-6, 285-pound frame better.

“I think Jimmy may be a little bit more fluid in his route-running ability,” Shanle said. “But Gronkowski, they keep him in line a little bit more to block. I mean he’s huge size-wise. But they’re both mismatch nightmares as far as putting a linebacker or safety on them.”

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08-09-2012, 01:21 PM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,774	Saints, Patriots tight ends Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski revolutionizing game FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski couldn’t be much more opposite off the field. Graham keeps a low-profile. Gronkowski ends up in tabloid magazines and TV shows. Graham spends time flying planes and getting instrument rated. Gronkowski spends his time on the ground and in the spotlight. But it’s what the two did on the field in 2011 that makes them so much alike. Graham, the New Orleans Saints tight end, set an NFL record for receiving yards by a tight end in a year during the season finale, compiling 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns through mismatches during a 14-win campaign. Literally minutes later, Gronkowski surpassed Graham’s total, ending the year with 1,326 yards and 18 touchdowns while providing mismatches equally as tantalizing as the Patriots made the Super Bowl. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Saints practicing against the Patriots in suburban Boston, the two found themselves the center of attention. Saints linebacker Scott Shanle said their playing styles are completely different, Graham using his superior athleticism while Gronkowski takes advantage of his 6-foot-6, 285-pound frame better. “I think Jimmy may be a little bit more fluid in his route-running ability,” Shanle said. “But Gronkowski, they keep him in line a little bit more to block. I mean he’s huge size-wise. But they’re both mismatch nightmares as far as putting a linebacker or safety on them.” Read me Attached Thumbnails
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