In recent weeks, we've seen the Patriots Offense begin to sputter. The 9ers defense ran them off the field in the first half, only succumbing once they switched to a zone coverage. This highlighted the major issues with the offense.

1. Blocking

In recent weeks, Brady has taken more hits and sacks than he did in the previous six games. The running game has been quite pedestrian, hindering the Patriots ability to surprise defenses. Pressure coming off the edge has really lowered the release time for Brady, causing him to throw the ball away or try to force it to receivers who simply aren't open. Consequently, Brady has thrown more interceptions than he did in the previous six - mainly due to throwing under pressure or forcing it into tight spots.

2. Lack of a game-breaker receiver.

While Welker continues to shine, the lack of a true game-breaker like AJ Green, Calvin Johnson, Torrey Smith, Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant, etc. continues to become obvious. Lloyd is a solid player, but he can struggle against a good man CB. Welker also finds it tough to produce against a good defense which brackets him. Defenses are almost beginning to ignore Hernandez as a blocker, treating him solely as a slower WR. We lack a tall, red-zone threat who can catch anything thrown his way - the kind of guy who you can throw it up to and trust he could catch it. This should definitely be a draft priority.

If only we had a tall, fast, beastly receiver with incredible hands and jumping ability who can deliver monster blocks on even the best players like a Terrell Suggs or a Cameron Wake....

....oh wait....

...we DO...

ROB GRONKOWSKI