KC Chiefs: Is Tyvon Branch Key to Stopping Gronk

The KC Chiefs are seeking a second playoff win this season. To earn it, they’ll have to stop Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Does Chiefs safety Tyvon Branch hold the key?

Rob Gronkowski has been one of the most dominate tight ends in football since he came into the league in 2010. In his six year career, he’s amassed 65 touchdowns, which is good enough to be tied for 52nd on the all time list. That’s a list that includes wide-receivers also.

Gronk may go down as one of the most prolific pass catching tight ends of all time depending on how long his career lasts.

The KC Chiefs are going to have to find a way to keep Gronk covered long enough for their edge rush to pressure Tom Brady. According to the ESPN.com injury reports,  Brady is battling a little bit of an ankle problem so if the Chiefs can make him move around in the pocket they stand a good chance.

More from Kansas City Chiefs

• How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
• The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule
• DraftKings + FanDuel Kansas Promos: INSTANT $150 Bonus Plus Two Chances to Win!
• Fan-Favorite Locks Up Chiefs Roster Spot With Stellar Preseason Performance
• DraftKings NFL Kansas Promo: Bet $5 on Chiefs vs. Saints, Win $150 Bonus!

The problem with covering Gronk is simply that, covering him. It’s almost unfair that anyone that big and that strong can run that fast and have great hands. Good luck tackling him in the open field without getting a little banged up also.

The secret may lie in a player that many wouldn’t suspect, Tyvon Branch. In 2012, www.profootballfocus.com did an analysis of a game in 2011 when Tyvon Branch held Gronkowski in check. Here’s a little of what they had to say: (You can read the full report here)

More from KC Kingdom

• Win $650 GUARANTEED Plus $100 Off NFL Sunday Ticket With Caesars, FanDuel and DraftKings Kansas Promos!
• This Plus-Money Bobby Witt Jr. Prop Bet is on Fire (Hit in 15/21 Games)!
• How to Bet on the Chiefs vs. Cardinals in NFL Preseason Week 2
• The Royals Need to Extend Bobby Witt Jr. Immediately
• The 3 Most Intriguing Games on the Chiefs’ Schedule

"Rob Gronkowski’s 2011 performance set all-time NFL records for a tight end for yardage (1,327) and touchdowns (17). He was one of the league’s most dominant forces and had such an impressive season that he ranked sixth in the PFF Top 101 players list.When he played the Oakland Raiders in Week 4 he was held to a single catch for 15 yards largely by the work of Tyvon Branch, who shut Gronkowski down like nobody else was able to manage all season. We took a look at Branch in a recent Secret Superstar article and noted how well he had played Gronkowski as well as other receiving tight ends, and decided to investigate further. So, just how did he do it?"

A lot has changed since the 2011 season. Not only is Branch not an Oakland Raider anymore, he’s likely lost a step or two with age. But maybe he remembers enough about the coverage to pass along the information to Eric Berry or Ron Parker.

Maybe Gronk’s knee injury will slow him down enough to have Branch replicate his previous success. Stopping Gronk isn’t going to be the only key, but it will certainly help in trying to beat a team that doesn’t lose at home very often.

Next: Andy Reid Becoming a Legend

So what do you think? Is Tyvon Branch a secret weapon? Was that game in 2011 an anomaly? Is Gronkowski even human? Let me know in the comments section below.