Pick Six: Week 14

1. I’ve said before that the Patriots have the best pair of tight ends in the NFL. Let me just add that one of them is the best tight end in the NFL. Rob Gronkowski was a beast, breaking tackles en route to career high in receiving yards in a game (160) and set a new standard for touchdowns in a season by a tight end. He broke the record with his 14th TD grab then extended it when QB Tom Brady quickly tossed a pass over a blitz to Gronk. The Big Gronkowski did the rest, breaking a LB Ryan Kerrigan tackle then racing to the endzone and to the arms of a waiting Pats fan to celebrate.

2. The sideline argument between Brady and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was blown way out of proportion. This happens during intense games. What no one said was that Brady’s frustration was building because the offense failed to score three red zone touchdowns. In fact, WR Wes Welker dropped a sure score just before the interception. This game wouldn’t had been close if the offense executed as Brady expected, and the sideline exchange of words would had never happened if Welker caught the previous pass.

3. It’s a lot easier to score when you don’t have to run 50 yards. DT Vince Wilfork pounced on a loose ball in the endzone, jarred out of QB Rex Grossman’s hand by DE Andre Carter, and Wilfork held onto the pigskin while under the pile for his first career touchdown. A lot easier than trying to return interceptions, right?

4. While I do support the league’s initiative for player safety, the way the game is being called is ridiculous sometimes. Washington LB London Fletcher was flagged for a personal foul when he led with his forearm just as Brady started going into his hook slide. Later Wilfork was flagged for hitting RB Roy Helu just after Helu stumbled to the ground without contact. Nevermind that Helu could had got up and ran. Should Wilfork be gentle and softly touched Helu down or something? Give me a break.

5. Go ahead and call the Patriots defense dirty or cheap, but for the second week in a row, the defensive line shifted sideways as a unit and the opposing offensive line jumped offsides. If the officials won’t call it encroachment to discourage New England’s D-line, the unit should keep on doing it.

6. LB Jerod Mayo, after snatching his first career interception with a diving snag, he doubled his career total with another diving pick to secure the win. Don’t look over your shoulder, Rob Ninkovich. Your role on goal line offense might be in jeopardy.

Extra Point: I’m keeping an eye out for any opposing player that previously played for the local team. Receivers Donte’ Stallworth (4 receptions, 96 yards) and Jabar Gaffney (6 rec, 92 yds, TD) were killing the secondary. I’m afraid Denver long snapper Lonnie Paxton will have a career game. Fortunately the Broncos’ Manny Ramirez isn’t that Manny Ramirez.