FOXBORO -- New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski have stepped up for their team in so many high-pressure postseason moments, and Sunday's AFC Championship Game win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium was yet another example.
Edelman tallied seven receptions for 96 yards, including a couple huge third-down conversions late in the fourth quarter and during the game-winning drive in overtime.
Gronkowski hauled in six receptions for 79 yards and also was dominant in the run game as a blocker. He also caught a huge third-down pass on the Patriots' last possession of regulation that set up the go-ahead touchdown by Rex Burkhead.
"I think that was vintage Jules and Gronk last night," Slater said Monday at Gillette Stadium. "Those guys have stepped up big in so many big moments for this franchise over the course of their careers. They don't flinch in those moments, and I think last night you saw them when we needed them the most, when our season was on the line, we saw those guys step up. They weren't afraid of the moment. They were looking to make plays. They've always been guys who've been willing to do whatever this team needs to win football games. Last night, we needed them to make plays, and that's what they did.
"I'm so proud of both of those guys. It's really an honor to have been teammates with Julian for 10 years now, and Rob for nine. I've learned a lot about being professional and respecting this game, and how to approach certain situations from the two of them. You have to tip your hat to them."
New England Patriots
Edelman and Gronkowski no doubt will be focal points of the Patriots' gameplan for Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams.
Both of them have stepped up in previous Super Bowl appearances as well. Edelman caught five passes for 87 yards in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, including the most memorable catch of the game. He also tallied 109 receiving yards and the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XLIX. Gronkowski has caught a touchdown pass in each of his last two Super Bowl appearances, including last year's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Patriots will need similar performances from Edelman and Gronkowski on Feb. 3 to win the franchise's sixth Lombardi Trophy.
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