GOT TO HAVE THEM
A couple of examples of the NFL’s Mr. Indispensable:› Alex Mack, Atlanta Falcons: When the franchise made the three-time Pro Bowl selection the NFL’s highest-paid center with an average salary of $9.5 million, Mack became the final piece to solidifying the Falcons’ offensive line. With Mack, they led the league in scoring and reached the Super Bowl last season.› Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans: Third in the NFL in catches among tight ends, the veteran is Marcus Mariota’s favorite target despite often being double- and triple-teamed by defenses. Walker pulled in a 37-yard catch in Indianapolis, and when offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie reviewed the play on video, he counting eight defenders around the tight end.
NASHVILLE – Anyone can see just how much the Dallas Cowboys desperately miss Ezekiel Elliott.
New England will get a reminder of what life is like without Tom Brady’s favorite target when Rob Gronkowski serves a one-game suspension Monday night as the Patriots visit Miami while chasing the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
“He’s a big focal point in our offense,” Brady said of the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end, an eighth-year pro. “I mean, I think when he gets going, it’s great for everybody, so it’s been great having him in there this year. He’s worked really hard and he’s a great player. I love playing with him. We’ve got a great rapport.”
Yes, even the five-time Super Bowl winner and two-time league MVP has a teammate who makes him better. And every NFL team has that one player who makes everything click – someone with so much ability and leadership he makes everyone else better, too. Or, in the case of struggling teams, a player who stands above the mess.