New England Patriots: Five bold predictions for the 2017 season
By Ben Porter
4. Rob Gronkowski will miss fewer than 3 games all season
Gronk-optimism is a clinically diagnosed condition. Known to last a little over a month, New Englanders and Patriots fans all over convince themselves that this is the year. Rob Gronkowski will not miss extended time. I am fully aware of my condition, but I choose not to seek help.
Having said this, Gronk’s injuries have been sporadic. He played in only 7 games last season but played in 15 the season before. It seems like he’s out more often than he is. I think this season, with Brandin Cooks in the mix, Gronk will last. Dwayne Allen has been brought in as a backup tight end, and he will carry some of the load if Gronk feels any pain at all.
Say what you want about me, but I am optimistic. With Rob Gronkowski healthy, the New England Patriots offense knows no limits. Not only is the receiving game improved, but the running game gains one of the most prolific blocking TEs in the NFL. Due to the nature of football, I left Gronk some wiggle room by saying he’ll miss “fewer than 3 games”. I don’t, however, think Gronk will miss extended time this season.