National Football League

Colts head coach Chuck Pagano: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is 'matchup nightmare'

Published Nov. 13, 2014 3:11 p.m. ET

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A healthy Gronk is a scary Gronk for opposing teams.

The Indianapolis Colts didn't have to worry about how to defend the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end when they fell to the New England Patriots in the divisional-round playoff game last season, as he was out with an injury, but this season is a different story.

Gronkowski has been an absolute monster during the Patriots' five-game win streak, recording 36 catches for 516 yards and five touchdowns in that span, and now it's up to the Colts to figure out how to stop the seemingly unstoppable force.

"They obviously had playmakers a year ago. It just only makes them more of a nightmare, if you want to put it that way," Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said during a conference call Wednesday. "... Tom's spreading the ball around, but Rob's a matchup nightmare. It's all hands on deck to try to make sure that that guy doesn't wreck a game. You see everybody trying to do that, but he finds a way to make unbelievable plays."

Teams haven't had much luck finding a way to contain Gronk this season, but even if the Colts do find a way to shut him down, they'll still be forced to contend with Tom Brady's other weapons in Julian Edelman (whose coming off a huge game against the Denver Broncos), Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola and Tim Wright.

"He's a great player, and they've got a bunch of them, a bunch of skill guys that are making great plays," Pagano said. The nightmare will become a reality for the Colts when they face Gronk and Co. on Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

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