What makes this Patriots/Broncos matchup so compelling, is the Broncos have two of their own players that require scheme tweaks like Gronk...and it isn't on their offense. Broncos defensive ends (or outside linebackers) DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller are just as dangerous as single-blocked players for their respective jobs, as Gronk is as a single-covered player in his.
The following picture shows how other teams have addressed this same dilemma. The top part of the photo shows the Patriot approach to slowing edge rushers to aid their tackles in pass protection, while the bottom portion shows how San Diego aligned with their own dangerous tight end, Antonio Gates, to accomplish the same end against Denver.
For the Patriots, aligning both Rob Gronkowski and Shane Vereen in 'hip' relationship with the offensive tackles forces the defensive ends to rush on a tighter path, making the job much more doable for the offensive tackles taking on talented edge rushers. Basically, it's like a half-assed double team that still allows both Gronk and Vereen to affect the protection, but still participate in the route and catch passes.
San Diego takes a slightly different approach in theirs, keeping their back in the gun to retain the run threat, but chipping on Von Miller to that side. Gates takes a hard angle in his route at the defensive end so that the rush cannot be aimed too far upfield to threaten the left tackle with speed.
This coin has two sides as well. While the Patriots can easily do this, and have before within their own scheme, the threat of Von Miller or DeMarcus Ware getting home to the quarterback goes up exponentially if Gronk is removed from the formation, or Vereen is extended or in the home position. Any scenario where there are single blocks on the edges is an advantage for the Broncos. Any scenario where those edges are blunted and the routes are uninterrupted...an advantage for the Patriots.
