While the player in the slot position is a key factor in the New England offense, there is no denying they are not the core of the engine. That responsibility lies with Gronkowski now, and him alone. We saw at the beginning of 2014, when Gronkowski was still recovering from a litany of offseason injuries, how the Patriots offense suffered. Edelman still produced at an average of 6.5 catches and 70.75 yards per game in the first four weeks of that season, but the football world at large was openly wondering if Tom Brady was finished and the Patriots dynasty all but over. It was not until Gronkowski put up 100 yards and a score in Week 5 to begin a torrid run did the New England offense return to glory, a reality too in line with the rest of our data to be a coincidence.