The New England Patriots continue to win even without Rob Gronkowski. The level of consistency shown by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick has been extraordinary.

"Belichick and [Tom] Brady just discourage you," said one NFL team executive. "The Patriots outthink you, outexecute you, and what a lot of people fail to recognize, they often outmuscle you. If you don't disrupt Brady, you've got almost no chance."

Brady and Belichick have reached 10 AFC Conference Championship Games.