Rob Gronkowski picks Patrick Mahomes' rivals to deal "damage" in playoffs (and it's not Bills)
Rob Gronkowski believes a surprising team could make significant noise in the postseason against Patrick Mahomes beyond the typical playoff contenders.
Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, finds himself at the center of Gronkowski's playoff speculation.
During Tuesday's episode of the "Up & Adams" show, Gronkowski shared his playoff prediction with Kay Adams. The conversation centered on potential playoff dark horses and team dynamics.
"There's a team that I believe that can make some damage in the playoffs," Gronkowski said. "And that's the Chargers I love. I love what they're doing. There's no doubt about that. Justin Herbert starting to understand what har ball wants out of him, and they're just being they're becoming more explosive every week on the offensive side of the ball."
Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh remains undeterred by the challenges ahead.
"I've always felt the intensity should be 10 out of 10 every single week," Harbaugh said to reporters on Tuesday.
The LA Chargers coach emphasized a self-reliant approach, urging his team to "take care of business" themselves. Harbaugh's "meritocracy" principle is clear.
"Anybody who puts on that uniform on a practice day has the license, the ability, and the opportunity to go out there and show they can contribute," Harbaugh said.
He then highlighted Justin Herbert's impressive streak — nearly 300 passes without an interception.
Injury Concerns cloud Chargers' hopes to stop the run of Patrick Mahomes
The Chargers face significant injury challenges heading into the crucial stretch. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey is battling injuries to his shoulder and knee. He leads the team with 58 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns.
McConkey's potential absence is massive. The Chargers' next-best receiver is Joshua Palmer, who has just 24 receptions for 414 yards and one TD. In their previous meeting with Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs, McConkey had five catches for 67 yards and the team's lone TD.
J.K. Dobbins' injury has also left a void in the backfield. The team has struggled to sustain offensive drives, scoring only three TDs in the last 10 quarters.
The Chargers sit at 8-4, holding the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture. With a 94% chance of making the postseason, they're well-positioned to potentially validate Gronkowski's prediction.
Interestingly, they have outscored opponents by 72 points this season. This compares favorably to the Chiefs' 54-point differential. Their previous encounter ended 17-10 in Kansas City's favor, with a goal line stand determining the outcome.
The upcoming game against Mahomes the Chiefs could be the Chargers' playoff statement. With a deep pass rush and defensive standout Devon Still, they have the potential to shock the league.
The NFL playoffs are approaching. The LA Chargers have a chance to prove Gronkowski right and make their mark against the defending champions.