Rob Gronkowski Was Better Option, But Certainly Not "Wide Open" on Deciding 2-Point Attempt

Brady is being second-guessed for his decision not to target Rob Gronkowski on the play because it’s 2016 and four Super Bowl victories mean nothing compared to a screen grab.

The New York Post describes Gronkowski as “wide open” and expresses disbelief that Brady missed the layup opportunity. They must be watching a different video than I see. Having said that, it’s tough to argue Edelman was the better option.

When Brady rolls right he is pressured by linebacker Brandon Marshall but still has room to get a throw off in Gronkowski’s direction. Safety Shiloh Keo had the unenviable task of trying to cover the tight end by himself. Gronkowski did get some separation from Keo but it was before Brady was ready to throw the football.

Anyone saying a pass to Gronkowski would have been an easy play to make needs to consider that cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris were underneath to prevent a low throw and safety Josh Bush — guarding James White in the flat — was in position to get to a lob to the back corner of the end zone.

Sure, it’s a throw that Brady is more than capable of making. Gronkowski had previously caught a fourth down and touchdown pass on the drive and is as reliable a receiver as they come. There are more than a few Patriots fans who wish things would have gone different on the try.

But to say Brady choked or made a huge mistake on the play is entirely unfair. This is not a goal line blunder on par with what the Seattle Seahawks did in last year’s Super Bowl. It was a split-second decision made by a player who has more than earned some slack.