Texans vs. Patriots: Did Rob Gronkowski make this incredible catch?

The New England Patriots may not have much depth to the receiver, but Rob Gronkowski proves once again that the Pats game will go well – even if the club did not say no to the help from the officials.

Gronkowski breathed life into the two-minute New England semifinal on Sunday by carrying a 28-yard pass through a double cover in the inning. But while the back judge ruled that the dive was over, Texan defenders insisted the ball hit the ground – and the replays, though unclear, seemed to suggest an official review:

The ball certainly moves a lot, but does it hit the grass without Gronkowski controlling it? Let's look at another angle.

It's not much clearer, but the CBS referee analyst, Gene Steratore, hinted that he thought the pass was incomplete. While the replay officials were busy deciding whether or not to stop the action in Foxborough, the Patriots decided not to bet on the random event generator that tells the NFL referees what is not a catch this week. Brady rushed his team to the line and managed a quick transfer to Rex Burkhead before an official magazine could be called or Texans could call a timeout. The 28-yard gain was blocked.

Four games later, Brady would find Phillip Dorsett at the back of the end zone for a four-meter touchdown pass.

The decision of Houston head coach Bill O'Brien not to use the timeout to allow officials to debate the call in the field prompted an immediate review:

But if O'Brien could have gained a little more time by stopping the clock, the league's inability to call for a review was even more suspicious. Less than two minutes from half-time, any replay should be launched from the league's main office in New York. Instead of asking officials to stop the game on the field, the Patriots were able to wipe out any chance to examine by slamming the ball and closing the door of the previous play.

The final result? 28 yards for Gronkowski, a difficult transfer to Burkhead that was dropped and picked up by the Pats, and an advantage for a New England team that took advantage of the gaps both on the replay booth and on the sideline of the Texans .

It was Brady's second great connection to Gronkowski in the afternoon. The first was a third and a dozen shots, proving how dangerous this pair can be.

The Texans took no chances, doubling Gronkowski several times. And in a half, they allowed the tight end All-Pro to gain 60 yards and a touchdown against them. The Patriots may be lean on the outside, but as long as the New England match goes into high gear with Gronk, he will remain one of the best in the league.