Bills vs Patriots: Five players to watch

Sep 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end

(87) celebrates a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski

Brady aside, Rob Gronkoski is probably the guy the Bills need to fear most on the Patriots offense. He puts up excellent numbers, whenever he plays them.

In seven games against Buffalo, Gronkowski has amassed 37 receptions, 543 yards and nine touchdown receptions. This averages out to five catches, 78 yards and one touchdown per contest.

In truth, it’s a tough task to stop the three-time Pro Bowler, especially at 6 ft 6 and 265 lbs. Making him even harder to cover, is the fact the Patriots now split him out wide more often.

In Rex Ryan’s defensive schemes, there is a lot of reliance on man-to-man coverage. There have been questions throughout the week, about who the Bills will get to cover Gronkowski?

Stephon Gilmore has pretty much said he wants the assignment, but it may well turn out to be several people, predicated by where the All-Star tight end lines up. Regardless, containing Gronkowski will probably prove to be one of the most significant keys in Buffalo’s chances of beating New England.

Next: You need this guy's A-game to beat Brady