Patriots gridiron news: Rob Gronkowski super frustrated with OPI calls

Over the past couple seasons, it seems the only way to slow New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is hit him with offensive pass inference calls.

Rob Gronkowski is back to his old form, but the New England Patriots tight end is still a bit frustrated with how some things are going on the field.

In this past Sunday’s 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers, a certain trend continued.  Gronkowski was called for an offensive pass interference call that negated a reception in the first quarter of the game.  The call came on a key third-down play that would’ve kept the offense on the field.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gronkowski addressed the “inconsistency” of those types of calls and how he is being officiated.

"“If the consistency was there 100 percent then I’d be cool whatever it is,” Gronkowski said, via Patriots.com.  “But on week we’re told we can play [and] it really isn’t going to be called.  They can hold and you can slap off their hands and then the next week it’s if you touch the guy it’s a P.I.  I just wish I knew the consistency so then I can base my game off that in practice and be prepared for the game and know the rules going in.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

Communication is key

Gronkowski went on to stress the importance of communication from NFL referees before and during the game.  He believes that will help him and his teammates avoid those types of penalties at key moments during the game.  The OPI he was called for was a case of him slapping the defender’s hands away.

With his size and dominance, defenders have to play the All-Pro tight end more aggressively, which at times means holding and most of the time means heavy contact.  Furthermore, Rob Gronkowski wishes the refs would just lighten up a bit on that contact.

"“My favorite time is when it’s allowed to just be played,” Gronk said.  “I can run, go full speed, the linebacker is ready for me, ‘boom’ we bump.  It’s just straight-up football.  Sometimes I feel like the game of football can get taken away.  There’s definitely [physicality] that’s involved in getting open sometimes.”"

Team reveals color rush uniforms

 If the defense can’t get their act together Thursday night, there will be one bright spot…their uniforms.

The team has revealed that they will wear their white road jerseys with white pants as part of the NFL color rush uniform games.  Last season they wore all blue uniforms in a 27-0 Thursday night victory over the Houston Texans.

Take a look below.

Eric Rowe unlikely for Thursday night

The New England Patriots secondary will unlikely be at full strength Thursday night.  According to the Providence Journal, cornerback Eric Rowe missed practice on Monday and is doubtful to play against the Buccaneers.

Next: New England Patriots: 5 things we love about Rob Gronkowski

Rowe re-injured his groin during Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers.  This means any chance of a Stephon Gilmore benching goes out the window.  Not that Eric Rowe was any better on Sunday, but at least he is familiar with the defense and would limit any miscommunication issues.

Look for a heavy dose of Jonathan Jones against Tampa Bay’s passing attack.