Patriots gridiron news: David Andrews one of the top surprises in 2017

Pro Football Focus has named New England Patriots center David Andrews as a big surprise in 2017 for his pass protection and consistency.  

Although the season didn’t end the way the New England Patriots wanted it to, the season was still a success for individual players like offensive lineman David Andrews.

The fourth-year center not only played every game for the Patriots in 2017, he helped solidify an offensive line that struggled at the beginning of the season.  His overall performance and consistency is why Pro Football Focus named Andrews as one of 2017’s biggest surprises.

Named a team captain for the first time prior to the season, Andrews displayed a leadership that was not surprising to the team.  So, it is great that his strong play is being recognized outside of New England.

Here is what PFF had to say about the 25-year old center:

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"“David Andrews has been a darling of some for a while and he ended the previous season playing well, particularly in the playoffs, but this season as a whole was a big surprise – building off that finish and really generating some impressive play. While there were plenty of ugly games in his tape a year ago, this season those was largely absent, particularly when it comes to pass protection, where he allowed just 22 total pressures over the regular season.”"

His improvement as a run-blocker was also noted by PFF.  Overall, not bad for an undrafted rookie free agent in 2015.  Lucky for the New England Patriots, they signed him to an extension through the 2020 season.  So, he will be pass protecting for Tom Brady for the next few seasons.

Rob Gronkowski gives back 

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski continues to show his charitable side.

This week, the All-Pro playmaker made an appearance and donated money to three New England hospitals.  Those hospitals were Boston Children’s hospital, The Barbara bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, R.I.

Each medical facility received $25,000 from Gronkowski, who also took time to play with the kids.  He raised the money with postseason raffles through the Gronk Youth Nation Foundation.

While the big tight end mulls over his future in the NFL, it is apparent that his big, generous heart will never retire.

Way to go Rob Gronkowski. 

Colts reportedly hire Patriots assistant coach

Well, you would think the Indianapolis Colts would think twice when it comes to New England Patriots assistant coaches.

After offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels shocked the organization by deciding to return to the Patriots, the Colts have reportedly hired assistant special teams coach Ray “Bubba” Ventrone as their special teams coach.

Next: Patriots gridiron news: Re-signing Rex Burkhead a top priority

Ventrone both played for the Patriots and spent the last three seasons in the organization as a part of the staff.